About Us

Every great tradition starts somewhere, and ours started with a dream, a little smoke, and a whole lot of heart.

In 2022, we—Kadi and Justin—opened The Butcher Meat Co. right here in Vinemont, Alabama. With a passion for great food, a love for our community, and a whole lot of determination, we set out to build something special. Just two months after opening our doors, we decided to take that dream one step further by hosting our very first BBQ competition.

We shut down the street, fired up the smokers, turned up the music, and threw one heck of a party! What started as The Butcher's Backyard Grill Off quickly became more than just a BBQ competition. It was a gathering of friends, families, neighbors, and BBQ lovers who came together for good food, friendly competition, and unforgettable memories.

Over the next two years, the Town of South Vinemont took the reins, continuing the tradition through the Grillin' N Chillin' festival. They did an incredible job keeping the spirit alive and bringing our community together. As new business owners navigating the challenges of growing a business and raising a family, we were beyond grateful for their dedication and support.

Then came 2026—the year we brought it back home.

With a new name, a bigger vision, and the same passion that started it all, The Butcher's Smoke & Flames BBQ Cookoff was born!

Our 2026 festival marked an exciting new chapter as a KCBS-sanctioned BBQ competition, welcoming talented cook teams, incredible vendors, generous sponsors, and families from near and far. What we experienced that day was more than we could have ever hoped for. From the smell of BBQ filling the air to the sound of live music, the excitement of competition, and the thousands of smiling faces throughout the grounds, it was a day we will never forget.

But what made it truly special wasn't just the BBQ, the entertainment, or the competition. It was the community.

The businesses that believed in our vision. The volunteers who gave their time. The competitors who traveled to be part of something special. The vendors who helped bring the festival to life. And every single person who walked through those gates to support us.

You made Smoke & Flames 2026 an incredible success, and we couldn't be more thankful.

Now, as we turn our attention to 2027, we're carrying that same excitement, gratitude, and determination into another year of planning. We learned so much, made memories we'll cherish forever, and have even bigger dreams for what's ahead.

Our goal has never been to simply host another BBQ competition. It's to build a tradition that our community looks forward to year after year. Something families can enjoy together, something competitors are proud to be part of, and something that continues to put our little town of Vinemont, Alabama, on the map.

And the best part? We're just getting started.

Here's to bigger dreams, hotter pits, unforgettable memories, and another incredible year of bringing people together.

Welcome to The Butcher's Smoke & Flames BBQ Cookoff.

Rooted in community. Fueled by passion. Built on tradition.

We'll see you in 2027! 🔥

— Kadi & Justin
The Butcher Meat Co. & The Butcher's Smoke & Flames BBQ Cookoff