🔥 Honoring a Legacy of Smoke: Barbecue News Magazine Inducted into the American Royal Barbecue Hall

🔥 Honoring a Legacy of Smoke: Barbecue News Magazine Inducted into the American Royal Barbecue Hall of Fame®

The National Barbecue & Grilling Association is proud to celebrate a historic moment for one of our own — Barbecue News Magazine has been officially inducted into the American Royal Barbecue Hall of Fame®, receiving the Impact Award for its extraordinary contributions to the barbecue world over the past 35 years.

This recognition isn’t just a milestone for the magazine — it’s a win for the entire barbecue community.

Where the Smoke Began

The story of Barbecue News began in 1990 when Dr. Donald “Doc” Gillis and Joe Phelps had a shared vision to unite the growing barbecue community. Together, they launched a small printed newsletter to share contest results, upcoming events, and stories from pitmasters across the Southeast.

Their idea quickly spread — what started as a humble, home-printed newsletter became The Original Barbecue Magazine, read and loved across the country.

But Doc and Joe’s contributions went far beyond the magazine. They were also founding members of the National Barbecue & Grilling Association (NBBQA), helping to lay the groundwork for what would become the leading organization supporting barbecue professionals, brands, and enthusiasts around the world.

Their vision was simple: bring people together, share knowledge, and celebrate the craft of barbecue.

A Family Carried the Flame

When Joe’s son Kell Phelps and his wife Janet took the reins in 1998, they carried that torch into a new era. Under their leadership, Barbecue News continued to grow — from a regional publication into a trusted national media brand.

Their vision modernized the magazine without losing its soul. From embracing digital editions to founding new initiatives like Future of Q, the youth-led outdoor cooking magazine, the Phelps family has worked tirelessly to preserve barbecue’s traditions while nurturing its future.

As proud leaders within the National Barbecue & Grilling Association, Kell and Janet have not only continued the magazine’s legacy but have also strengthened the connection between NBBQA and the broader barbecue world — ensuring that the flames first lit by Doc and Joe continue to burn brightly today.

The Impact Award: A Tribute to Generations of Smoke

The American Royal Barbecue Hall of Fame® Impact Award recognizes individuals and organizations that have shaped the culture, craft, and community of barbecue.

“This honor belongs to everyone who has ever cooked, competed, read, advertised, or shared a story in these pages,” said Kell Phelps, Publisher and second-generation owner. “Our mission has always been simple — to celebrate those who keep the smoke rolling.”

And perhaps most fittingly:

“This honor pays tribute to the generations who built and believed in Barbecue News — from its founders to today’s readers — keeping alive the spirit of ‘The Original Barbecue Magazine.’”

Why This Matters to the NBBQA Family

At NBBQA, we believe barbecue is about more than fire and flavor — it’s about people, stories, and the community built around the pit.

For decades, Barbecue News Magazine has embodied that spirit, amplifying voices across every corner of the industry: the innovators, the legends, the rising stars, and the families keeping traditions alive.

This Hall of Fame induction is a proud moment for our entire NBBQA family — a reflection of what can happen when passion meets purpose and the community works together to preserve and promote the craft we all love.

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate this incredible honor, we also look forward to what comes next. Under the NBBQA umbrella, Barbecue News Magazine continues to expand its reach, inspire the next generation, and tell the stories that matter most — the ones that smell like hickory, sound like laughter, and feel like home.

From the backyard to the big stage, the mission remains the same:
Share the smoke. Celebrate the people. Keep the flame alive.

Congratulations to Barbecue News Magazine, to Kell and Janet, and to everyone — from Doc and Joe to today’s readers — who have helped make this legacy what it is today.