Who Has the Best BBQ in America? Austin vs. Kansas City vs. Memphis 

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Austin. Kansas City. Memphis. 

These three cities are at the heart of America’s barbecue conversation, each with its own traditions, techniques, and fiercely loyal fans.

In this Transit Unplugged TV special, host Paul Comfort visits all three, tasting everything from Texas brisket and giant beef ribs at Terry Black’s Barbecue in Austin, to classic Kansas City barbecue at Gates Bar-B-Q, to championship-caliber barbecue at the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest. 

Along the way, you’ll meet pitmasters, barbecue experts, competition champions, and local transit leaders who share what makes each region’s style unique.  

  • Ali Khan, Food Network 
  • Mike Black, Owner, Terry Black’s Barbecue 
  • Mark Black, Owner, Terry Black’s Barbecue 
  • Ollie Gates, Owner, Gates Bar-B-Q 
  • Frank White, Founder & Managing Partner, Praxis Advisors Group 
  • Randy Blevins, VP of Marketing, Memphis in May 
  • Tommy Wallace, Senior IT Manager, Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) 

From brisket and burnt ends to ribs and championship pork, this is a celebration of the people, stories, and flavors that have made these cities barbecue destinations.  

 They’re all phenomenal in their own right, but only one can be crowned the champion at Transit Unplugged TV, and that is.. well, let us know your pick in the comments! 

Credits 
Creator, Senior Producer & Host: Paul Comfort Director: Jaime Cuadra 
Creative Director: Jaime Cuadra 
Producer: Cyndi Raskin 
Executive Producer: Julie Gates 
Director of Photography Jaime Cuadra 
Video Editor: Jaime Cuadra 
Music Composer & Supervisor: Jaime Cuadra 
Sound Design: Jaime Cuadra 
Newsletter: Chris O’Keeffe 

Special Thanks 
Emmett Strack, Social Media 
Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) 
Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority (CapMetro) 
Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) 
Food Network 
Terry Black’s Barbecue, Austin 
Gates Bar-B-Q, Kansas City 
Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest 

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the guests, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Modaxo Inc., its affiliates or subsidiaries, or any entities they represent (“Modaxo”). This production belongs to Modaxo, and may contain information that may be subject to trademark, copyright, or other intellectual property rights and restrictions. This production provides general information, and should not be relied on as legal advice or opinion. Modaxo specifically disclaims all warranties, express or implied, and will not be liable for any losses, claims, or damages arising from the use of this presentation, from any material contained in it, or from any action or decision taken in response to it.