Kevin Bludso
Chef, Restaurateur, Author
Kevin Bludso is a chef, television personality, author, James Beard Award Winner, and two - time Steve Harvey Hoodie Award Winner. In 2008, he opened Bludso’s BBQ, his small takeout BBQ stand in Compton, California. It has since grown into an international empire, with a flagship restaurant, Bludso’s BBQ, in Hollywood, a new location in Santa Monica, a concession stand at the LAFC Soccer Stadium, a location in Proud Bird by LAX, and a sprawling restaurant and bar called San Antone by Bludso’s BBQ in the Crown Casino in Melbourne, Australia.
He is the judge on the hit Netflix BBQ competition show The American BBQ Showdown, and has multiple television appearances on shows like Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and Bon Appétit. Kevin regularly lends his expertise as a recurring guest judge on Bar Rescue and takes on the role of a mentor to none other than Anthony Anderson and Cedric The Entertainer on Kings of BBQ.
In line with his commitment to giving back, Kevin actively participates in various philanthropic efforts. Apart from his involvement in the local community, he is set to engage in his third Preserve the Pit mentorship program, sponsored by Kingsford.