It all started when 3 good friends from Western Massachusetts, united in their love for
authentic barbecue, dressed as monks and presented “Burnt Offerings” in their first sanctioned
BBQ competition. The year: 1992. The event: The Pig & Pepper, Massachusetts’ State BBQ Championship.
Just four quick years later Burnt Offerings would win this event and the following year be offered
a spot at the 1997 Jack Daniel’s World BBQ Invitational!
The original team consisted of Phil (The Judge) Litman, Jim (Big Jim) Bickman and Steven
(The Professor) Stark. As is life, many changes have taken place since that frosty October day so
many years ago.
Phil has retired and spends most of his free time judging BBQ contests around the country.
He is considered one of the top Master BBQ Judges in both the “Memphis In May” and Kansas City
Barbecue Society” circuits. Jim passed away, sadly, in 2004 and although he is gone his spirit and knowledge of BBQ will always
remain with us.
Steven has kept the Burnt Offering’s flame burning.
He has honed his BBQ skills under some of the best nationally accredited BBQ Masters, including
3-time World Champion Pat Burke and 4-time World Champion John Willingham.
Through his travels around the country as both a competitor and as a Certified BBQ Judge, Steven has
mastered the fine art of “Real Slow-Smoked BBQ.”
Burnt Offerings’ sauces and rubs are created personally
by Steven and their success is evident in the trophies Burnt Offerings continues to collect. (see Awards Page)
Bowing to public demand, Steven has taken the revamped Burnt Offerings Competition BBQ team into the
BBQ catering arena.
Since 2003, BBQ lovers from near and far have been able to taste what was once only
available to Certified BBQ Judges: Championship Quality BBQ. In an effort to accommodate all requests
for service, Burnt Offerings is currently limiting the number of BBQ competitions to just a few annual
regional events. (See Upcoming Events page)
Burnt Offerings
For the “Real Deal” in Slow-Smoked BBQ!
