Dan-O Joins the Shed Steak Showdown As Celebrity Judge

Ocean Springs, MS – In April, the Dan-O’s Seasoning team was invited to one of the coolest BBQ destinations in the US, the Shed BBQ & Blues Joint in Ocean Springs, MS for their annual steak showdown. It was at this BBQ haven that Dan-O’s Founder Dan Oliver was invited to be a celebrity judge in the competition, and gained a new take on the words southern hospitality.

The first thing the team noticed is the Shed is a place like no other. Founded by former junk collector Brad Orrison, the Shed is a cobbled-together collection of vintage road signs, collectibles, dining/cooking areas, and outbuildings. And in addition to its uniqueness, some of the best BBQ in the country is produced there between its everyday offerings and the events that take place there.

The event that Dan was invited to judge was the Duel Steak Cookoff, which featured over 100 participants and took place on April 10th, 2021. The event included several other competitions, including a bloody mary contest, a rib contest, and a turkey competition hosted by Turkey Smoke.

When Dan took the judge’s stage, he was one of 4 final judges who tasted the winning steaks from the first group of judges. The judges would rate the steaks on several factors, including presentation, doneness, and taste, with bonus points being available for exceptional qualities. When it was all said and done, Kevin Jaenke aka Smokin TinMan from Illinois took home the grand prize in the steak competition.

For the rest of the weekend at the Shed, the team indulged in everything from eating crawfish, to hearing live music, to making new pals in the BBQ community. The team also had a Dan-O’s-seasoned steak make it into the competition and then demoed its seasoning on a competition turkey breast thanks to its new friends in the NTF.

Overall, the team had a blast and wants to thank Brad Orrison and his team for the invite and for their hospitality. Dan was honored to be a judge in the steak showdown and the team looks forward to coming back. To see what the shed has to offer, as well as the Dan-O’s team’s journey, check out Dan-O’s Seasoning YouTube Channel or follow the Shed BBQ on Instagram. 

As the Dan-O’s Seasoning team slowly makes its return to the BBQ and event world, it looks forward to the next big competition and joining in on the fun. Next up is the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest which takes place May 12-15, 2021 in Memphis, TN. We hope to see you there!