Tuffy Stone 2024 NBBQA Conference Keynote Speaker
Meet Tuffy Stone, a Multifaceted Individual Whose Remarkable Journey Spans the Realms of Culinary Excellence, Competition Barbecue, and Television Stardom. Renowned As a World Record-breaking Champion Pitmaster, Tuffy Is Also a Former Marine, a Classically-trained Chef, a Seasoned Businessman, and an Occasional Reality Television Star. Affectionately Known As "the Professor" in Barbecue Circles, Tuffy's Legendary Precision and Unwavering Dedication to the Science of Smoke Have Solidified His Status As One of the Most Influential Figures in the World of Barbecue.
Trained in French Culinary Technique at La Maisonette, Tuffy Has Left an Indelible Mark on the Richmond Culinary Scene Since 1986. Co-founding a Sharper Palate, One of the Mid-atlantic's Premier Special Events Companies, with His Wife Leslie, Tuffy Sought to Reconnect with His Culinary Roots. in 2004, He Ventured into the World of Barbecue Competitions, Initially Facing Humbling Experiences. Undeterred, Tuffy Redoubled His Efforts and Evolved into One of the Circuit's Most Formidable Competitors.
His Accolades Include Grand Champion Titles in Nearly Every Major Barbecue Competition, Including Back-to-back Victories at the American Royal World Series of Barbecue and a Historic Run at the Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational, Where His Cool Smoke Bbq Team Became the Only Team to Win the Contest Three Times.
Beyond the Competitive Arena, Tuffy's Influence Extends Globally. He Served As a Judge for Destination America's Barbecue Pitmasters for Five Seasons, Traveled Internationally—Cooking for Troops in Kuwait and Teaching Classes at Meatstock in Australia and New Zealand—and Showcased His Culinary Prowess at the Prestigious James Beard House in New York City.
Adding Another Feather to His Cap, Tuffy Released His Highly-anticipated First-ever Cookbook, "Cool Smoke: the Art of Great Barbecue," from St. Martin's Press in May.
Join Us As Tuffy Stone Shares His Insights, Experiences, and the Artistry Behind Great Barbecue in a Session That Promises to Be As Flavorful As His Award-winning Creations.