BAMA-Q PRO. STAFF

Meet The Bama-Q Pros

Charles Dabbs

Meet Charles Dabbs, the passionate pitmaster behind 1776 BBQ, whose love for grilling is fueled by faith, family, and friends. A devoted family man and competitive spirit, Charles has been setting the barbecue world ablaze since 2016, with 2024 marking a pivotal year in his journey. Inspired by his late grandfather “Big Jim” Thrasher, Charles infuses every dish with a legacy of flame and flavor. Known for his welcoming nature and the philosophy that he “never meets a stranger,” Charles and his wife have taken his culinary passion on the road with a food truck featuring their famous brisket grilled cheese. When he’s not tending to the smoker, you might find him fishing or playing pool, but his heart always returns to the grill. Experience Charles’s dream-turned-reality by visiting 1776 BBQ. Don’t forget to “Tell’em CJ sent ya!” – it’s your invitation to join the family where every meal is a celebration of great food and even better company.

Rob

Rob, nicknamed “Robby Flay,” is the passionate pitmaster behind Rammer Jammer BBQ. Since 2012, he’s been competing in prestigious barbecue circuits like KCBS, SCA, and BCA, and in 2025 was invited to compete in the World Food Championships showcasing his grilling expertise. Rob’s skills and friendly nature have earned him respect in the BBQ community.

Beyond competitions, Rob is all about sharing his love for barbecue. He’s always ready to offer tips or swap stories with fellow enthusiasts. When not at a smoker, he enjoys relaxing with friends and family, cold CaneBrew Tea in hand.

If you spot Rob at an event, don’t hesitate to say hello! His warm personality and grilling wisdom make him a true barbecue ambassador, bringing people together one perfectly smoked brisket at a time.

Travis Patterson

Meet Travis, the grill master behind Flaps 20 and creator of the legendary “Moo Magic”! A military veteran turned BBQ enthusiast ignited his passion for grilling in 2017, and he’s been firing up taste buds ever since.

Travis isn’t just about searing steaks; he’s all about sizzling competition too! When he’s not perfecting his craft or competing in BBQ showdowns, you’ll find him surrounded by his two favorite things: family and friends.

From serving his country to serving up mouthwatering dishes, Travis brings the same dedication and fire to everything he does. Travis isn’t just cooking food; he’s creating backyard experiences that’ll have you coming back for seconds!

716 South BBQ and Competition Steak Team

716 South BBQ and Steak Team is from middle Tennessee established in 2021. It is a multigenerational team comprised of Steve Noble, his wife Catherine, and her father Larry Alford. The team travels near and far to compete in various food sport events. These include the Steak Cookoff Association, World Food Competition, KCBS, and the Pizza Cookoff Association. Steve competes in both ancillary and steak, but after a full slate of both steak and ancillary in 2022 his focus has turned mainly to steak. In 2022 he finished 9 th in the SCA Ancillary Points Chase and finished 9 th in the SCA Ancillary World Championship. In 2021 he finished 16 th in the SCA Steak Points Chase, in 2022 he finished 8 th , in 2023 he finished 11 th, and in 2024 he finished second in the SCA Steak Points Chase. Steve also finished 13 in the SCA Ancillary World Championship in 2024. In 2025 Steve will be competing in his first World Food Championship. Catherine is an ancillary cook with numerous accomplishments. In 2021 she finished 3 rd in the SCA Ancillary Points Chase, in 2022 she finished 2 nd , and in 2023 and 2024 Catherine was the SCA Ancillary Points Chase Champion. She has also had six perfect scores and an 8 th place finish in the Ancillary World Championship in 2024. In 2025 she will compete in her first World Food Championship. Larry is a retired Marine who loves his family and steak cooking. In 2022 he finished 19 th in the SCA Steak Points Chase and in 2024 he finished 8 th in the points chase. He has been a two time finalist in the SCA Steak World Championship.

Russ Allen of REDBONES BBQ from Florence AL.

Been competition cooking since 2018. I was the 2020 KCBS chicken World Champion. Multiple grands and reserve grands in bbq. Been a bama q prostaff member for 6 seasons. “ Competition cooking is very addictive, buts it’s more like going to a family reunion first and foremost, but then a competition breaks out!! Just don’t get much better than that!!

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