Marlee Moore
(334) 613-4219

The Bama’s Best Pork Ribs Contest is in its final stage as the Final Four restaurants are pitted against each other during judging April 18-19. Finalists are Heard’s BBQ & Soul Food in Maplesville; Whillard’s BBQ & Grill in Marion; Wiley’s Smuteye Grill in Banks; and Smokin’ on the Boulevard in Florence.

The Alabama Pork Producers sponsors the contest, which smoked out more than 900 nominations for over 100 restaurants on the Alabama Farmers Federation’s Facebook and Instagram pages this spring.

“Our farmers are excited to highlight restaurants serving tasty, tender pork ribs,” said Guy Hall, the Federation’s Pork Division director. “These pitmasters have perfected their secrets for sauces, rubs and heat sources. Our judges have a big task ahead of them, but they’re ready for the challenge.”

The judges, who will sample ribs and present a plaque at each restaurant, are Alabama pig farmer Daniel Tubbs, Alabama NewsCenter Editor Michael Tomberlin and competitive cook Bob Plaster. 

The champion will be announced in early May to kick off the summer grilling season. The winning restaurant will receive $500 and will be featured in the Federation’s June Neighbors magazine.

The Alabama Pork Producers is a division of the Alabama Farmers Federation, the state’s largest farming organization with over 357,000 members.