‘Come and Take It Cookers’ compete at prestigious KC contest

Local barbecue team Come and Take It Cookers represented their hometown of Gonzales at the renowned American Royal World Series of Barbecue, held Nov. 2-3 in Kansas City.

Known as the world’s largest barbecue competition, this Kansas City Barbecue Society (KCBS)-sanctioned event also serves as the primary fundraiser for the American Royal, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting food and agriculture.

Alongside the barbecue competition, the American Royal features nationally recognized livestock shows, equine competitions, rodeos, and youth educational outreach, all supporting a vision of celebrating agriculture and its future.

The Come and Take It Cookers team consists of Joseph "Poochy" and Lawren Kridler, Brian and Leigh Pirkle, Kenny Hodges, and Ron and Kelli Connell. They earned their invitation to the Royal after winning the Grand Champion title at the IBCA-sanctioned Roughneck Chili & BBQ Cookoff in Luling earlier this year.

This win kicked off a strong 2024 season, which included another grand champion title in Shiner and top-seven finishes in five of seven other competitions, marking their most successful year since forming in 2022.

Though the team had hoped for higher placements, head cook Poochy Kridler is enthusiastic about the experience and optimistic about next year.

“KCBS judging methods, criteria, and flavors are a little different from what we’re used to in IBCA and CBA competitions,” Kridler said. “Judges there are certified after taking classes, and there are different competition elements, like using legs or thighs instead of chicken halves, plus a pork category we don’t typically see.

“They also favor a bit different flavor profile up there, and the pace is intense — with turn-ins every 30 minutes rather than the hour-plus intervals we're used to. We prepared as best we could, but nothing compares to actually experiencing it. We’ll be even better prepared next year.”

In Saturday’s Invitational competition, Come and Take It Cookers competed against 169 teams and adjusted their approach for Sunday’s Open competition, ultimately finishing in the top half of the 444 participating teams at 254th place overall.

Reflecting on the event, Kridler echoed the message his wife shared on the team’s Facebook page.

“The best part of our American Royal experience was the overwhelming support we felt from friends, family and our community. From sponsorships and donations to prayers, encouragement, and well-wishes, whether from folks who traveled to be here with us or cheering us on from back home, we felt the love and are grateful beyond words. Thank you, thank you, thank you!”