On Wednesday, April 29, 2026, four Brisket King NYC champions return to the lineup as the celebrated food festival heads into its 14th year at Pig Beach BBQ in Astoria, Queens. More than 15 chefs and restaurants will compete for the crown this year, including Richie Holmes of Juicy Lucy BBQ, the two-time winner in 2019 and 2021; 2023 champion David Gill of Wildwoods BBQ; Leland Avellino of Avellino Family Barbecue, the 2024 titleholder; and last year’s Brisket King, Anthony Scerri of Smoke Sweats.
Brisket is front and center at Brisket King NYC, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find two chefs cooking it the same way. “Some chefs stay rooted in low and slow Texas-style barbecue, while others draw inspiration from Jewish delis, Caribbean flavors, Thai spices, and Mexican barbacoa,” says Jimmy Carbone, Food Karma Projects and Brisket King NYC founder. “Brisket King NYC is about the way New York cooks, with everyone bringing their own influences to the plates.”
Throughout the evening, attendees can taste brisket from every chef and restaurant while a panel of expert judges determines who will earn the next Brisket King NYC crown. Awards will include Brisket King NYC Champion, Runner-Up, and Friends of Firefighters People’s Choice Award, among others, with bragging rights that carry across New York’s food community.
In addition to brisket tastings, every ticket includes sips from local spirits producers, wine, craft beer, and dessert samples. The full 2026 lineup will be announced in the coming weeks.
Brisket King NYC is proud to partner with Friends of Firefighters as a community partner. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit provides independent, confidential, and free mental health counseling and wellness services to active and retired FDNY firefighters and their families.
Tickets are on sale now at brisketking.com. Every ticket to Brisket King NYC is all-inclusive. VIP tickets include 5:00 PM early admission to the Brisket King NYC VIP Hour, giving attendees an extra hour of food and drinks while mixing and mingling with the chefs. Each VIP ticket also includes an exclusive Brisket King NYC t-shirt. Groups can reserve a VIP Table for 10, featuring 10 discounted VIP tickets, reserved seating, 5:00 PM early admission to the Brisket King NYC VIP Hour, and Brisket King NYC t-shirts for all. General Admission begins at 6:00 PM, with all-access food and drinks available throughout the evening.
An image gallery for press use is available here. Interviews with event founders, chefs, and spirits producers are available upon request. For media inquiries, please contact Jimmy Carbone at jimmypotsandpans@gmail.com.
Read more about Brisket King NYC at www.brisketking.com. For all the latest updates, follow Brisket King NYC on Instagram @brisketkingnyc. Brisket King NYC is a 21+ rain or shine event, and the lineup and offerings are subject to change without notice. All sales are final.
Wednesday, April 29, 2026, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Pig Beach BBQ, 35-37 36th St., Ground Floor, Astoria, NY 11106
Ticket Options:
5:00 PM Entry – VIP Admission
$85 + fee
Early admission at 5:00 PM with all-access to food and drinks, mix and mingle with the chefs, and an exclusive Brisket King NYC t-shirt.
5:00 PM Entry – VIP Table for 10
$750
Perfect for groups and parties, featuring 10 discounted VIP Tickets.
Reserved seating, early admission at 5:00 PM.
All-access to food and drinks, mix and mingle with the chefs, and Brisket King t-shirts for all.
6:00 PM Entry – Kick-Off Pricing General Admission
$55 + fee
Special discounted General Admission. All-access to food and drinks from 6:00 PM.
6:00 PM – General Admission
$65 + fee
All-access to food and drinks from 6:00 PM at a great value.
About Food Karma Projects: Food Karma Projects events are grassroots-style celebrations that bring together award-winning and rising star chefs, restaurants, artisan producers, and distributors. Founded by Jimmy Carbone, Jimmy made his mark with Jimmy’s No. 43, an iconic bar in New York City’s East Village known for its approach to craft beer and local food. He expanded his dedication to regional food communities with the founding of Food Karma Projects, and under his direction, Food Karma Projects gatherings are recognized for their collaborative success stories.
Food Karma Projects’ diverse portfolio ranges from long-standing events to fresh new soirees, including Brisket King® NYC, Rib King NYC™, Pig Island NYC™, Bowl of ‘Zole™, and CiderFeast™. Each festival offers immersive experiences that attract food enthusiasts and industry professionals alike. For more information, visit foodkarmaprojects.com and follow along on Instagram and Facebook.