Big Shanty Smokehouse In Kennesaw, Georgia: Meet The Chef

We sat down with Executive Chef Paul Holden of Big Shanty Smokehouse in Kennesaw, Georgia. Big Shanty Smokehouse offers an authentic taste of Southern barbecue that should not be missed. Known for its smoked meats, particularly the tender pulled pork and succulent brisket, each dish is expertly prepared with a blend of house-made sauces. The rustic atmosphere complements the hearty meals, making it a perfect spot for families and friends to gather. Additionally, their extensive sides, including coleslaw and cornbread, enhance the experience, ensuring a fulfilling culinary journey that captures the essence of Southern hospitality.

Big Shanty Smokehouse In Kennesaw, Georgia: Meet The Chef

Big Shanty Smokehouse In Kennesaw, Georgia: Meet The Chef

Tell us about what your morning routine looks like, and how you like to end your day?

Mornings at Big Shanty start early — fire to wood, smoke to air. We light the pits before sunrise, making sure every cut is treated with respect and tradition. It’s a quiet ritual that sets the tone. At the end of the day, there’s nothing better than walking the line, checking the coolers, and sharing a moment of satisfaction with the crew. The pit may cool down, but the pride stays warm. It’s how we end each day—with gratitude, smoke on our clothes, and a promise to do it all again tomorrow.

Do you have any awards or achievements you’d like to mention?

That’s not a simple answer—because our history blends two celebrated barbecue legacies into one.

It starts with Big Shanty Smokehouse, originally founded by Chic and Sissy Dillard, who built a beloved regional brand rooted in authentic, high-quality BBQ. Over their 16-year tenure, the Shanty earned numerous local awards and a loyal following throughout Georgia.

Today, Big Shanty is owned and operated by Paul Holden, who also serves as pitmaster and owner of Willingham’s World Champion BBQ. Willingham’s is a legendary name in competition barbecue, founded by BBQ Hall of Famer John Willingham—a pioneer in both cooking technique and flavor innovation. The brand became known worldwide for its championship cookers, sauces, and seasoning blends.

Under John and Paul’s leadership, Willingham’s has earned over 45 years of competition success, including:
• 5 World Grand Championships
• 24 World First-Place Category Wins

• Hundreds of top-10 finishes at the most respected contests, including Memphis in May, The American Royal, The Jack Daniel’s Invitational, and the World Food Championships

That championship tradition now fuels the fire at Big Shanty. Under Paul’s leadership, both brands continue to honor their roots while pushing for new excellence.

Locally, Big Shanty has been recognized as:
• Best BBQ in Atlanta
• Best of Cobb 2025
• Named to the 2025 “Best of the Best BBQ Restaurants in America” by Barbecue News Magazine

For us, it’s not just about trophies—it’s about keeping a tradition alive. Every time we fire up the pit, we’re honoring a legacy of craft, competition, and community.

Do you have a favorite chef that you look up to and what advice would you give to aspiring chefs?

Without a doubt, John Willingham—BBQ Hall of Famer and founder of Willingham’s—is the most influential figure in our journey. His approach to flavor, technique, and innovation set a gold standard that we still honor every time we light the pit.

But growing up in Memphis and competing nationwide gave me the incredible opportunity to cross paths with some of the greats—from BBQ legends to classically trained chefs. I’ve had the privilege of learning from people like Chef Philip Dell, Tuffy Stone, and other culinary icons who were generous with their time, their knowledge, and their passion for craft. Each of them taught me something—whether it was a technique, a mindset, or a fresh way to think about ingredients—and I’ve woven those lessons into my own approach to barbecue.

My advice to aspiring chefs? Master the fundamentals. Cook with heart. And always remember: the best food doesn’t just fill you up—it tells a story.

Big Shanty Smokehouse In Kennesaw, Georgia: Meet The Chef

Big Shanty Smokehouse In Kennesaw, Georgia: Meet The Chef

What do you typically cook at home? 

At home, it’s all about simple comfort food. When you’re around smoke and fire all day, there’s something grounding about a quiet, hearty meal that brings you back to your roots. I often find myself revisiting the dishes my mother or grandmother made—especially around the holidays—things that feel familiar and nostalgic.

That said, I’m always experimenting. I love taking traditional indoor recipes and figuring out how to adapt them to the grill, smoker, or outdoor cooker—not necessarily to add smoke, but to show just how versatile outdoor cooking tools can be. Whether it’s casseroles, roasts, or even baked desserts, I enjoy finding new ways to cook outdoors that challenge expectations and expand what a smoker can do. And yes... I may have more than a few cookers to choose from.

What’s a food trend that you’re loving right now and why?

We’re loving the resurgence of scratch-made everything — from pickles to pimento cheese. It’s a return to honesty in food, and it aligns with how we’ve always operated at both Big Shanty and Willingham’s.

What’s the strangest food combination you’ve ever tried? And, did you like it?

One that still stands out happened back in my early days around Mr. Willingham at the restaurant in Memphis. I asked for something simple for lunch and went with the BBQ bologna sandwich. But John insisted I try it his way—with a generous slather of peanut butter and a dill pickle slice.

It sounded completely wrong... but it tasted surprisingly right. Sweet, smoky, tangy, and salty—it hit every flavor note in one messy, glorious bite.

Outside the restaurant world, I spent over 30 years in a career that took me all over the globe. I’ve never been shy about trying local favorites—whether it was a sardine salad in Italy, a hearty Schweinshaxe in Germany, or countless street food surprises in between. The stranger the combo, the more curious I became.

What cocktail or beverage do you enjoy most?

I’ve always leaned toward a good Irish whiskey—neat. There’s something timeless about it: no mixers, no distractions—just the spirit, as it was meant to be enjoyed.

On a regular day, I keep it simple. But when I’ve got a few extra bucks in my pocket, I’ll reach for something a bit more special—like a pour of Midleton’s, Redbreast, or Knappogue Castle. Each one brings its own character, and they all pair just fine with a quiet evening and a little post-service reflection.

Big Shanty Smokehouse In Kennesaw, Georgia: Meet The Chef

Big Shanty Smokehouse In Kennesaw, Georgia: Meet The Chef

Have you ever cooked for a celebrity? Do you have a story to tell?

We’ve had the chance to serve quite a few celebrities over the years—but honestly, we try to treat every guest like a VIP. Whether it’s a well-known name or a neighborhood regular, everyone deserves the same warm welcome and award-winning BBQ.

At Big Shanty, we’ve had a number of notable visitors drop in for a low-key evening and a plate of ribs—but we always keep things relaxed and respectful so they can enjoy the experience like everyone else.

On the competition side, Willingham’s has cooked for and competed in front of celebrity judges at events like the World Food Championships, and we’ve catered movie sets in Memphis, serving cast and crew—including some recognizable faces. Over the years, a mix of political figures, actors, athletes, and musicians have made their way to our pits. We don’t always name names—but the stories stick with us.

What’s your Instagram so readers can follow you?

Follow us at @bigshantysmokehouse for daily specials, behind-the-scenes pit action, and a whole lot of smoky goodness straight from the Shanty. And don’t miss @willinghamsbbq for competition highlights, world championship moments, and all the latest on our legendary sauces and seasonings.

Why should readers visit Big Shanty Smokehouse In Kennesaw, Georgia?

Because it’s where world-champion flavor meets local soul. Backed by the Willingham’s tradition, Big Shanty offers more than just BBQ — it’s a place where smoke has meaning, hospitality is real, and every bite carries a legacy.

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