Neighbor News
Southbury BBQ Underdog Takes on National Pitmasters at June 6 EGGfest
A local BBQ pitmaster takes on national competitors at Southbury's EGGfest BBQ Competition— and the winner will be decided by the crowd.
SOUTHBURY, CT — A local barbecue business is stepping onto a national stage — and inviting the community to help decide the outcome.
King of Que BBQ, based in Southbury, will compete for the People’s Choice Award at the New England EGGfest on June 6, going head-to-head with nationally recognized Pitmasters arriving with full teams, sponsorships, and high-end equipment.
Owner and Pitmaster Aaron Bethlenfalvy says he’s embracing the challenge.
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“We’re going up against some of the best in the country,” Bethlenfalvy said. “But we’re doing it right here in our hometown.”
From Backyard Tradition to Professional BBQ
Bethlenfalvy’s journey into barbecue began in Cleveland, Ohio, where his grandfather hosted an annual neighborhood event known as “The Feast.”
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Centered around massive quantities of smoked ribs, the gathering left a lasting impression.
“That’s where I learned barbecue is about more than food,” he said. “It’s about bringing people together.”
That foundation led to more than 15 years of refining his craft — including trips to Texas to study traditional techniques — before launching King of Que BBQ in Connecticut.
Local Pride vs. Big Competition
At EGGfest, Bethlenfalvy will rely on precision, consistency, and community connection rather than scale.
While other teams bring large crews and corporate backing, King of Que BBQ is leaning into its identity as a local, family-driven business.
“These teams have a lot of resources behind them,” he said. “We’re bringing something different — the support of our community.”
Why the People’s Choice Award Matters
The People’s Choice Award is decided entirely by attendees, making it one of the most meaningful honors of the event.
“It comes down to the full experience,” Bethlenfalvy said. “How the food tastes, how it’s served, and how people feel when they walk away.”
Event Details and How to Support
The New England EGGfest takes place June 6 at Chatfield True Value in Southbury. Attendees can sample food from competing teams and vote for their favorite pitmaster.
Bethlenfalvy says local turnout could make a real difference.
“We’d love to keep the trophy right here in Southbury,” he said.
🔥 Learn More & Get Involved
- Event Details & Tickets: https://www.newenglandeggfest.com
- King of Que BBQ: https://www.kingofquebbq.com
