Hickory River Wins Ohio State Fair "Grand Champion" for Pulled Pork Fourth Year in a Row, also Wins for Best Ribs and Best BBQ Sauce

Columbus, OH - - For the fourth consecutive year, Hickory River Smokehouse from Tipp City bested BBQ teams from all over Ohio, bringing home the Grand Champion "Best Pulled Pork" award at the 2011 Ohio State Fair. The Tipp City restaurant won two additional Grand Champion awards: "Best BBQ Sauce" (second time winning BBQ Sauce category), and, for the first time, won for "Best Ribs." The competition, which was held Tuesday, August 2nd at the Ohio State Fair, is sponsored by the Ohio Pork Producer's Association.

Although Hickory River Tipp City is no stranger to the winner's podium, there was some additional pressure this year on Dan Davis, nephew of Hickory River Smokehouse founders Brad and Krista Bowman. Davis and his wife Maria bought the Tipp City location from the Bowmans in January of this year, and were determined to continue the standard of excellence established by Brad and Krista.

"I can't tell you how exciting and rewarding this has been," said Davis. "Working alongside of Brad and Krista has been a great experience, and winning three Grand Champion awards at the State Fair this year is beyond what Maria and I had hoped for."

Hickory River Smokehouse is known for Texas BBQ, offering smoked Beef Brisket and Polish Sausage made in the style of the acclaimed smokehouses found throughout Central Texas. In addition to mastering the cuts of meat popular in Texas, Hickory River also caters to Midwestern tastes with Pulled Pork, Baby Back Ribs, Pork Loin, Turkey Breast, Ham and smoked Chicken. All meats are seasoned with a VERY secret, specially-blended dry rub and then slow smoked for several hours in a BBQ pit indirectly fed by a hickory-wood fire. When the meats are tender, juicy and smoked to perfection, homemade side dishes and Hickory River's award-winning BBQ Sauce are offered as accompaniments.

Hickory River Tipp City is located just off I-75 (exit 68) at 135 S. Garber Rd. There are six Hickory River locations in Illinois as well. All locations offer dine-in, carry-out, drive-thru, and self-serve or full-serve catering.

The Bowmans and Davises couldn’t be happier about their victory, “Winning 4 years in a row is a huge deal and we plan on doing it again next year,” said Davis.