Last weekend, thousands of meat lovers gathered at Rainbow Lagoon Park for their favorite Southern cuisine—barbecue.

The Long Beach BBQ Festival, held Friday, Aug. 17 to Sunday, Aug. 19, brought dozens of vendors together from across the nation including locally-owned barbecue restaurant Q Smokehouse. But as every vendor claimed to have the best barbecue, there was no better way to set the record straight than with a rib competition.

As a first-time participant, the Q Smokehouse team was excited their St. Louis Style Ribs won Grand Champion at the festival.

“Our Pitmaster said he didn’t wake up today to be mediocre,” said Q Smokehouse owner Kurt Schneiter. “The entire crew didn’t miss a step, as there are no shortcuts to any rib worth eating.”

A panel of judges, including actor and comedian Cedric the Entertainer, selected the Grand Champion based on appearance, tenderness and flavor. Moments after, Cedric announced the winner on the main stage and personally congratulated them on the win.

Although the BBQ Festival is over, Q Smokehouse’s delicious St. Louis Style Ribs are always available at the restaurant, located at 300 S. Pine Ave. From ordering a rack of ribs off their menu to purchasing $1 ribs on Wednesdays as part of their daily specials, customers can also enjoy three limited-time-only rib platters: the Rib N Meat Combo, Baby Back Ribs, and Rib Tips. Each dish is plated with a choice of any side like Bourbon Baked Beans and Grandmother’s Buttermilk Cornbread.

These exclusive items are a part of the Good ‘Til Gone board that is displayed along the back wall in the restaurant. Items listed on the board are available while supplies last, or in other words, good ‘til gone. The board is constantly changing, so next time you dine at Q Smokehouse, be sure to check it before ordering.

And now, with a win under its belt, Q Smokehouse aims to share its authentic, award-winning barbecue with the entire Long Beach community.

“Success tastes better shared,” Schneiter said. “BBQ is all about sharing great food and having fun.”

For more information on Q Smokehouse and their delicious menu offerings, visit https://www.q4bbq.com/qsmokehouse