Golden Rule BBQ is America’s oldest, longest-running barbecue restaurant with a history dating back to 1891. In this episode of The Low & Slow Barbecue Show we learn the story of Golden Rule and its 135-year-old tradition of pork barbecue sandwiches. Golden Rule’s Daniel Harp takes us through the bankruptcy that nearly ended the storied barbecue business, how new owners rescued the famous brand, and what is on the horizon for the future. Listen and discover what you can expect from a visit to Golden Rule BBQ and what sets this business in Irondale, Alabama apart from the rest of the barbecue in the region – and the U.S.

What are the four main styles of barbecue? Food writer Andre James shares his Mount Rushmore of BBQ, as well as his favorite stops for barbecue in Chattanooga, Myrtle Beach, and his hometown of Southport, N.C. Find out how Andre James turned time spent in the food and beverage industry into a career in food journalism and how his adventure has combined travel with journalism to highlight the best bites around the South. Read more of Andre’s opinions on the BBQ Mount Rushmore here, and don’t miss his 10 top BBQ Joints in Chattanooga reporting here.

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Barbecue news updates around the Carolinas in Summer 2025 include updates on a James Beard Award Finalist, 2025 North Carolina BBQ Hall of Fame Inductees, Operation BBQ Relief Volunteer Awards, State Whole Hog Championships, and the South Carolina Connection to SmokeSlam 2025. Listen to this episode for the Summer 2025 barbecue news recap from The Lowdown, our weekly barbecue newsletter. You’ll find out about upcoming barbecue events, barbecue business news, and the food trucks we’re following around the Carolinas. Have news, events, or barbecue food truck schedules to share? Email the Lowdown at lowandslowbarbecueshow@gmail.com

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N.C. Whole Hog State Champion Kevin Peterson joins the Low & Slow Barbecue Show to reveal tips for preparing the best whole hog barbecue. The pitmaster behind Showtime’s Legit BBQ details his whole hog process from start to finish and shares insights into his husband-and-wife barbecue team. Get the backstory on Showtime’s Legit BBQ and its success and find out how Kevin Peterson started smoking barbecue low and slow in Eastern North Carolina.

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Carolina BBQ Festival 2026 marks its fifth anniversary, and organizers from Sweet Lew’s BBQ and Let’s Meet CLT reveal what’s working, what’s not, and what folks can expect for April 17-18, 2026. Find out how festival events throughout the year are bringing a greater spotlight to Charlotte, the Carolina barbecue scene, and small businesses throughout the region. Lewis “Sweet Lew” Donald and Erin Hunter from Let’s Meet CLT talk about how they started the Carolina BBQ Festival and why BBQ for a Cause is motivating bigger and better things every year. Don’t miss Sweet Lew’s wish list for future barbecue menu items and festival events. You’ll also hear perspectives on the food and events scene in Charlotte and how barbecue fits in.

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Rusty’s Bar-B-Q Founder Rusty Tucker opens the doors of his Alabama barbecue restaurant and shares the story of his smoked meat upbringing. Find out the important role family traditions play in his career, from childhood pitmaster to formal culinary training. Learn which Rusty’s Bar-B-Q sauces and menu items are the most popular and how an untraditional order is a measuring stick for the best Alabama barbecue joints. Who’s spending the most time on the pits at Rusty’s Bar-B-Q? Rusty reveals the answer. Don’t miss Rusty’s summer tips for taking your barbecue on the road or delivering desserts that will please the masses. Listen to the podcast here and learn more about Rusty’s Bar-B-Q at the website.

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Bubbles & Brisket’s Max Trujillo shares the roots of the annual North Carolina food and beverage event and the NC F&B Podcast. Get the festival details about North Carolina pitmasters and North Carolina beverage producers and hear why bubbles and brisket go so well together. Find out how industry experience led Max to launch other media platforms. Don’t miss Max Trujillo’s perspective on the best North Carolina city for food. Listen to learn his favorite places in the state for barbecue. Be sure to visit the NC F&B Podcast’s episodes library here.

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Alabama Barbecue Chase Founder Ricky Harmon shares the story of his campaign to celebrate barbecue across the state of Alabama. Find out his favorite stops among the 75+ he’s visited. What Alabama city has the best barbecue? Alabama’s Barbecue Chaser shares his answer and explains his approach for restaurant reviews – and where he awards bonus points. If you are planning a trip to Sweet Home Alabama, here’s your guide!

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