BBQ FESTIVAL CHEF LINEUP DROP!

Big news for the 2026 Bourbon & BBQ Festival as we announce the lineup of our chefs for the Fourth of July Festival. Stay tuned for the menu drop in a few weeks, all we can say for the time being is that you WILL NOT be disappointed or hungry at the end of this event. Here are the stars of the show:

• Big Nate's BBQ & More - Great taste is the name of the game and Big Nate is committed to stepping up to the plate. Based in the MS Kick facility in downtown Shreveport, his goal is to provide delicious natural options.

• CalTex Barbecue - Local barbecue restaurant CalTex BBQ specializes in providing delicious barbecue catering services throughout Northwest Louisiana, and ensures every even is flavorful experience. CalTex Barbecue has permanent location in the local brewery Great Raft Brewing.

• Niema's West African & Caribbean Cuisine - A brick and mortar location at Robinson Film Center on Texas Street houses one of Shreveport's most decorated and colorful culinary savants: Chez Niema. A champion of Beat Bobby Flay on the Food Network, Chez Niema is a vibrant, globally-inspired Afro-Fusion dining concept.

• Dylan Teekell - Shreveport native Dylan Teekell grew up in restaurant kitchens - his parents owned Monsour's, and he cut his teeth at Highland Table and Marilyn's Place. In 2020 he co-founded Ghost Ramen, serving late-night Japanese-inspired dishes with a Louisiana twist. Dylan is the 2023 and 2025 Food Prize Golden Fork Champion.

• Good Ass Bar B Que - Don't be fooled by his day job. Shreveport Mudbugs owner Tommy Scott is no stranger to fine smoked meats. Tommy and his wife Leslie, along with their barbecue team, have competed in events across the region and bring years of expertise in traditional long-cook barbeque to the table. Tommy and Leslie are also avid scouts for barbecue events and concerts across the region.

• Gullo's Fresh Produce & Bake Shop - A beloved cafe and mercantile shop on Flournoy Lucas Rd, Gullo's launched a new BBQ concept in 2025. Hailed by Love Shreveport-Bossier as "....10/10, and it's not even close. Hands down, this is some the best barbecue we've found in the Shreveport-Bossier Area."

• The Magnolia Pit - A locally-owned barbecue restaurant rooted in military discipline and authentic pit methods, The Magnolia Pit is quickly making a name for itself as one of the finest establishments in the region. With the decorated Valerie & Taneia Benn at the helm, The Magnolia Pit's incredible menu makes regular rounds on the Instagram and TikTok social media feeds from locals, visitors, and influencers.

Stay tuned to our social media page and website over the coming weeks as the BBQ menu, bourbon flight menu, and more are announced. And get your tickets ASAP, this is a limited-ticket event that is hard-capped, no exceptions! For ticketing information and event info, visit:

TICKET & EVENT INFO