Born and raised in the Mississippi Delta, Melissa Cookston is a trailblazing female food entrepreneur smoking the competition.
Cookston is a 7-time world barbecue champion; owner of Memphis BBQ Company in Horn Lake, Mississippi; an author of two cookbooks, “Smokin in the Boy’s Room” and “Smokin’ Hot in the South;” and a celebrated southern Delta chef.
Recognized nationally from many appearances on national news and talks shows as well as cooking shows and Food Network, Cookston recently served as a judge on season one of the Netflix original series “The American Barbecue Showdown.” She also served as a judge on season four of Destination America’s “BBQ Pitmasters,” and was named one of America’s most influential BBQ Pitmasters and personalities by Fox News in 2015.
Cookston recently started the World Junior BBQ League a nonprofit organization whose mission is to engage kids who are 14-18 years old or enrolled in 9th – 12th grade equivalent curriculum in barbecue competitions to teach them invaluable life skills such as leadership, teamwork, strategic planning, organizational skills, time management, work ethic, emotional focus within a competitive environment, and culinary skills while participating in a wholesome and fun competition.
