Barbecue Hall of Fame

Barbecue Hall of Fame History The Barbecue Hall of Fame® exists not only to recognize, document and preserve the heritage of barbecue, but also to educate others by identifying and honoring its evolving history and traditions. Election into the Barbecue Hall of Fame at the American Royal is barbecue’s top honor, and inductees are recognized for significant contributions to the barbecue community. The Barbecue Hall of Fame also serves to promote and encourage the growth and public support of barbecue by providing official recognition; honoring those individuals, who by extraordinary achievement and service, have made an outstanding impact on the world of barbecue. The Barbecue Hall of Fame was originally founded by Mike Tucker and Ray Basso. In 2011, the American Royal Association obtained the legal rights to the Barbecue Hall of Fame and inherited seven Legacy Inductees. These barbecue pioneers are joined each year by three new inductees that demonstrate a crowning achievement in barbecue excellence. On October 6, 2012, the inaugural Barbecue Hall of Fame ceremony was held at the American Royal World Series of Barbecue® in Kansas City, Missouri. Congratulations to all inductees, past and present. The American Royal is honored to be the official home of the Barbecue Hall of Fame.