From 1983 - 1991, John Willingham, won almost every BBQ award there was to win. As family, we would savor the times we had the opportunity to share and enjoy his World Champion BBQ when on those special occasions a few slabs of ribs would make their way up to Minnesota from Memphis. In 1992, Uncle John brought his entire BBQ rig from Memphis to Minnesota for the first annual Twin Cities Rib Fest! During this event, the lines of people at the Willingham's booth seemed to never end; 30-40 people in all four lines from noon until 10.
During the course of the 4-day festival, people kept returning to Willingham’s multiple times within a single day and in several cases day after day. What made it really special was when they would come back they usually brought their family, friends and neighbors with them. Then on Sunday afternoon came the awards ceremony. Willingham’s was awarded the 1st Place People’s choice award. What astounded us was that Willingham's BBQ had garnered more customer votes than all other 13 BBQ vendors combined! That single moment became the inspiration behind World Champion Foods.
Here’s why:
Throughout history sharing a meal has had significant meaning and purpose in people’s lives. In ancient times when two men (even strangers) shared a meal in one’s home together it literally meant that they were now brothers, and from that moment forward one would literally lay down their life for the other.
Most would agree that we have lost some of that significance in today’s world, however we believe that devoting time to sharing a meal with those around you is just as significant and just as important as it has always been. What we experienced in 1992 and have continued to ever since, is when we are given the honor of sharing Willingham’s World Champion BBQ with family, friends and strangers, we in turn are blessed to witness the joy people experience while delighting in the world’s best BBQ. We are blessed to observe the joy people have in sharing their personal experience with others. We are blessed to see a spirit of fellowship and community amongst families, friends and neighbors as they gather together. We are blessed to be but a small part of complete strangers becoming friends through the fellowship of a great meal.
In the southern United States, when a friend or neighbor invites you over for a BBQ it typically means you need to block out the majority of that day so you can all come together and celebrate one another and the experience of sharing a special meal. While everyone is standing around for hours patiently waiting for the BBQ to cook low and slow, you best be good at visiting with each other!
Since 2001, when Uncle John closed his last restaurant in Memphis we’ve struggled to answer the most common question we get from customers we serve at every event; “Where y’all located?” Well now we have an answer, and we’d be honored if you’d help us spread the word.
At Willingham’s, BBQ is just the mechanism to inviting you to be a special part of the Willingham’s BBQ family.
May God Continue To Bless You!
Yours in ‘Que,
Willingham’s
P.S. Story to be continued . . .
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