Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 364: Sanj Kirubakaran; new Butcher Shoppe owners

Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast, Episode 364: Sanj Kirubakaran; new Butcher Shoppe owners

From Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast by Steve Koehler and Lyndal Scranton

July 15, 2026 · 55 min · Season 8 · Episode 27

About this episode

The episode features an interview with Sanj Kirubakaran, who returns to competition BBQ, and the new owners of The Butcher Shoppe, Stelio and Cristen Peterson.

We've seen countless top-notch competition BBQ teams leave the sport over the last several years, but on Episode 364 of the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast we tell you about one who's coming back after an extended break. Sanj Kirubakaran of Thump and Strum BBQ blazed to four Grand Championships and five RGCs from 2013-19 and, after feeling burned out, Sanj took time away. Now he is back with a renewed enthusiasm. We get the details from Sanj with his thoughts on the state of today's comp world. We also welcome the new owners of long-time show supporter The Butcher Shoppe in Pensacola, Stelio and Cristen Peterson. We talk to them about their culinary background, including a Greek catering business, and how they view the competition world fitting into The Butcher Shoppe. Good news - the great A9s are not going anywhere. Meanwhile, co-hosts Lyndal and Steve review their cooking adventures and discuss a few sports topics. A big thanks to our show sponsors and marketing partners. Please support them: Blues Hog #blueshognation Royal Oak Charcoal #charcoalofchampions The Butcher Shoppe #alwayshandpicked The Grill Guys of Missouri #grillguys417 Clark Crew BBQ #clarkcrewbbq Meat Rushmore BBQ…

Sponsors

Blues Hog, Royal Oak Charcoal, The Butcher Shoppe, The Grill Guys of Missouri, Clark Crew BBQ, Meat Rushmore BBQ, Lovely Jubbly BBQ, Mister Brisket

More episodes of Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Tailgate Guys BBQ Podcast podcast page.