Memphis BBQ Co.'s Melissa Cookston To Spend America's Independence With The Brave Men And Women Stationed At Fort Bragg

MEMPHIS, Tenn. and FAYETTEVILLE, N.C., July 1, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- For Melissa Cookston, the winningest woman in competition barbecue, live fire cooking is about more than great food, family, and friends; it also means serious business for her highly successful business ventures, it also means spending time with the brave men and women stationed at Fort Bragg in Fayetteville, NC.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130701/NY41360)

Topping Melissa's Independence Day menu are three Memphis Barbecue Co. favorites:

• World Championship baby back ribs with Memphis BBQ Co.'s World Championship BBQ Sauce and Ultimate BBQ Dry Rub
• BBQ baked beans
• Grilled Cayenne peaches
• Iced Tea with grilled lemon slices

A professional competition cook since 2007, Cookston had done what she had initially set out to do -- besting the boys at their own game to become a true world champion barbecue cook. But her passion for outdoor cooking ran much deeper, as did her desire to bring her signature style of Mississippi Delta cooking to the masses.

In December 2011, Cookston opened the doors to her first restaurant in Horn Lake, Mississippi, just a few miles from the restaurant's namesake city -- Memphis.  

Some people would argue that to be successful in the local barbecue scene takes time but the crowds recognized something special in what Memphis BBQ Co. had to offer and the lines grew longer with each lunch and dinner service.  Another location soon followed in Fayetteville, NC and plans are currently underway to introduce more in the very near future. 

Officially the winningest woman in competition barbecue with three Whole Hog Championship titles spanning from 2010-2012, Grand Championship titles in 2010 and 2012 and a second place victory at the annual Memphis in May World Championship BBQ Contest 2013. Cookston was also recently named as a permanent judge on Destination America's highly rated BBQ Pitmasters series as well as a cookbook in the works slated for a Spring 2014 debut.

Commenting on the July 4^th weekend, Melissa Cookston, co-owner of Memphis BBQ Co. and the winningest woman in competition BBQ, stated, "While July 4^th is a day of food, family, and friends, it is also a day of showing our support of the men and women of our armed forces who are charged with keeping America safe.  This year, I will join these individuals and their families at Fort Bragg in Fayetteville, NC. and truly look forward to being there on this day of our country's Independence."

As always, The Memphis BBQ Co. team is available year-round any additional all of your barbecue and grilling related needs! 

ABOUT MEMPHIS BARBECUE CO.
World Champion BBQ Chefs Melissa Cookston and John Wheeler have a history competing across the land at a variety of different BBQ cooking contests. Each is a two-time World Champion and Cookston holds the distinction being THE only female BBQ World Champion as well as one of three judges on Destination America's BBQ Pitmasters.

After years competing against one another, Cookston and Wheeler decided to join forces combining talents to offer the best quality BBQ fare that has ever been tasted opening the Memphis Barbecue Company restaurant in Horn Lake, Miss. The ONLY restaurant in America to feature Two World Champion Pitmasters! Wheeler of Natural Born Grillers – the Smokin Aces BBQ Grand Champion for 2010 – and Cookston of Yazoo's Delta Q – the 2010 and 2012 Memphis in May Grand Champion, sponsored by Kingsford® Charcoal and judge on Destination America's BBQ Pitmasters – have joined forces to bring you the most succulent BBQ anywhere.

Conveniently located off Exit 289 of I-55 on Goodman Road in Horn Lake, MS, Memphis Barbecue Company is the collaborative dream come true for both award-winning chefs. In 2013, the duo also launched a second Memphis BBQ Co. in Fayetteville, NC, located 4988 Skibo Road.  The restaurant has been featured on Food Network's Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, ABC's The Chew and Ultimate BBQ Cookout Countdown, Fox News and more. Also be sure to follow Memphis BBQ Co. on Facebook and Twitter.

SOURCE Memphis BBQ Co.