We're excited to see the field of competitors who have already won their golden ticket and registered to compete at the 2023 World Food Championships. And we are always proud to announce our special guests and celebrity judges participating in our judging events across the nation - we're sure the championship food certainly helps! Best of luck to our 2023 competitors!
COMPETITOR
Lee Ann Whippen
COMPETITION: World Barbecue Championship
QUALIFYING EVENT: 2012 World Food Championships
With nearly 20 years of experience behind the smoker, Lee Ann Whippen has been immersed in the barbecue culture for her entire life. The time spent on her grandmother’s cattle and hog farm, coupled with her father’s affinity for barbecue, proves barbecue runs deep in her blood. Whippen began cooking competitively with her father, Jim “Trim” Tabb, and after nearly two decades Whippen has done everything from a first place finish at the prestigious American Royal National Championship to becoming a successful restaurateur and BBQ icon. Whippen is a 17-year member of the Kansas City Barbeque Society and operator/chef of Chicago q.
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