2024 Year in Review: BBQ, Rubs, Road Trips, and Big Smokes

Looking back, 2024 was one heck of a ride. From reviewing roadside BBQ joints like Brother’s BBQ in Pensacola and spotlighting hidden gems like Apocalypse BBQ down in Miami, to launching my brand-new Salt Free Taco Rub, the year was packed with flavor. On top of that, I got to fire up at some killer events like the When Pigs Fly Indoor BBQ Bash and the Royal Oak Invitational down in Georgia.

It wasn’t just about cooking, either. There were product reviews, events, recipes, and even a website shake-up moving Smoked Q from Square over to Shopify. Let’s take a look back at everything that made this year one for the books.

Event Highlights

• When Pigs Fly Indoor BBQ Bash
  Competing indoors while it was freezing outside? Yep, that happened. With Kurvball BBQ Whiskey backing our team, we turned out some creative dishes that made the crowd happy.
• 2024 Fort Wayne Home & Garden Show
  Always fun being in the Simply Decks and Stuff booth, meeting new folks, and connecting with local BBQ lovers.
• Fort Wayne Ribfest 2024
  My second year vending at Ribfest, and it felt like catching up with old friends—sharing recipes, trading stories, and getting inspired by backyard pitmasters who stop by the booth.
• Royal Oak Invitational
  Two days of smoke, fire, and competition at Royal Oak HQ in Georgia. Day one was all about catering-style bites, and day two was full-on KCBS competition.

Restaurant Reviews

• Brother’s BBQ in Pensacola
  A converted house, an upright smoker covered in years of smoke buildup, and a pulled pork sandwich that hit the spot. Add in mac and cheese, and it’s the perfect roadside stop on your way to Orange Beach.
• Apocalypse BBQ in Miami
  BBQ with bold flavors, a fun twist, and a vibe that screams Miami. A must-visit if you’re in South Florida.

Product Reviews

• EarthStone Cleaning Blocks
  These little guys make grill cleanup way less painful. I put them to the test and they earned a spot in my BBQ kit.
• Royal Oak Charcoal
  I broke down the differences between lump, briquettes, and their pellet charcoal. Spoiler: all three have a permanent place in my rotation.
• Campo Grande Ibérico Pork
  Some of the most flavorful pork I’ve ever cooked with—whether it’s the secreto, presa, or the showstopping 4 rib rack.

Smoked Q Updates

• Salt Free Taco Spice Blend Launch
  A new addition to the lineup—packed with flavor, no salt, and just right for tacos, BBQ, or honestly anything you throw on the grill.
• Moving from Square to Shopify
  Square was great for starting out, but Shopify gave Smoked Q the tools to grow—plugins, reporting, POS, and a smoother experience for customers.

Wrapping It Up

2024 was a whirlwind—BBQ competitions, road trips, restaurant finds, new rub launches, and plenty of smoke-filled weekends behind the pit. What I loved most was getting to share it all with you—whether it was through recipes, reviews, or catching up in person at events.

I’ve got big plans for 2025: more competitions, more product launches, more travel, and of course, plenty more food. Thanks for following along this year—let’s make the next one even smokier.