Texas Jack's BBQ and Gonzalez BBQ win top 2025 Ribfest Awards
Two rib teams took home the four main prizes at the 2025 Ribfest Awards.
Texas Jack's Barbeque from Cayuga, Ont. captured the prestigious 'Best Ribs' and 'Best Sauce' awards.
'It was amazing,' said Dan Tobias of Texas Jack's BBQ.
'There's a lot of really good rib teams here, so it makes it just that much sweeter.'
The company, which started in Texas, has transitioned to the Canadian circuit. They do 60 shows per year across two countries and have won more than 500 awards.
'Our sauce is something that we're really proud of,' said Tobias.
'It's been in the family for 45 years. It started with Grandma Janine. It's unchanged, gluten free. And we put a lot of love into it.
At the end of Ribber's Row, Jorge Gonzalez is entertaining the crowds.
London ribfest 2025
Jorge Gonzalez of Gonzalez BBQ shows off his ribs which won the 2025 People's Choice Award at London Ribfest (Source: Brent Lale/CTV London)
It's a big reason why the London, Ont. ribber captured the 'People's Choice Award' (PCA) and also won the 'Showmanship Award'.
'Thank You London,' said Gonzalez, who captured the PCA for the first time.
'You've got to be thankful to the customers and the followers that they follow Gonzalez Barbecue.'
Gonzalez no longer has a brick-and-mortar location, as it just became too tough. However, he is starting to branch out with a new idea of frozen brisket and pulled pork in boxes.
London ribfest 2025
Jorge Gonzalez of London, Ont. based Gonzalez BBQ is expanding his business to include frozen pulled pork and brisket (Source: Brent Lale/CTV London)
'We're going to be going up in Angelo's Supermarket and hopefully Costco by the end of the year,' said Gonzalez.
'Right now, it's available but very exclusive. You'd have to give me a call or send me a message; I'll get it to you.'
London Ribfest continues until Monday evening.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CTV News
14 minutes ago
- CTV News
Montreal home sales up nearly 10% in July as overbidding leading to price increases
A real estate sign showing homes for sale is seen in Montreal on Monday, March 24, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi
CTV News
14 minutes ago
- CTV News
P.E.I. renews funding agreement to create more diversity in trades, technology jobs
The Government of Prince Edward Island announced it has renewed a two-year funding agreement with Women's Network PEI. The program, Trade HERizons, helps diversify the workforce in the trades and technology fields across the Island, a news release from the province said. 'This program plays an essential part in strengthening the Island's workforce by supporting individuals who are eager to contribute,' said Minister of Workforce, Advanced Learning and Population and the Minister responsible for the Status of Women Jenn Redmond. 'By continuing to invest in this initiative, individuals are empowered to take charge of their future and make lasting contributions to the trades and technology sectors in PEI.' The program, offered by the Women's Network, provides career exploration and college preparation designed for women and gender-diverse individuals. The program introduces participants to opportunities in trade and technology, building their skills, fostering personal growth and guiding career development. 'We are thrilled to have the support of the province to continue to offer Trade HERizons, a college prep and career exploration program for women identifying and gender non-binary Islanders interested in exploring the trades in PEI,' said executive director of Women's Network PEI Jillian Kilfoil. 'The trades offer meaningful work opportunities and Trade HERizons creates a supportive place for people who have historically been underrepresented in those fields. We look forward to welcoming and hosting a new cohort of future tradespeople this fall.' Applications are now open for the next cohort which begins in the fall. More information on the program and how to apply is available on the Trade HERizons' website. For more P.E.I. news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
CBC
15 minutes ago
- CBC
Quebec AI data centre company shortlists Waterloo region as part of expansion plans into Ontario
Quebec AI data centre company QScale says it has shortlisted Waterloo region for a future site as they expand operations into Ontario. QScale CEO Martin Bouchard said in an email to CBC News that they're looking at Wilmot Township as a possible location. "We are currently evaluating several sites across the province and will share further details once our assessment is complete," Bouchard said. Bouchard added data centres "are essential to driving Canadian innovation and ensuring sovereign AI capabilities." He did not say if there was a timeline for a decision on their Ontario expansion and how many jobs a potential data centre site would add to the local economy. He also did not say what other communities it is considering in the province. QScale, based in Lévis, Que., says on its website that it "develops environmentally responsible computing centers specifically designed for high-performance computing, supercomputing and machine learning." The company's main campus in the Quebec City area is approximately 86,400 square meters, or the size of approximately 16 football fields. It has 142 megawatts power capacity and uses 100 per cent renewable energy, the company's website says.
