Kevin Bludso Explained
Kevin Bludso (born 1965) is an American chef, restaurateur, and television personality.
Early life
Bludso was born in 1965 in Compton, California.[1] His father was a police officer at the Los Angeles Police Department; his mother was a postal service worker.[2] While on summer vacation, Bludso lived with his aunt, Willie Mae Fields, in Corsicana, Texas.[3] Fields introduced him to Texas-style barbecue; at the age of 9 or 10, Bludso was allowed to help with the cooking. He studied business at the Dallas-based Bishop College.[4]
Career
Prior to entering the food industry, Bludso worked as a correctional officer for thirteen years.[4] He opened Bludso's BBQ in 2008, serving as its pitmaster.[5] Based in Compton, the restaurant shut down in September 2016, following a dispute with the landlord. Bludso also owns restaurants in Hollywood and Melbourne, Australia.[6] Since 2020, Bludso serves as a judge on the Netflix series The American Barbecue Showdown.[3]
Personal life
As of September 2020, Bludso resides in Texas. He is a fan of the Dallas Cowboys.[3]
Restaurants owned by Bludso
United States
| Restaurant | Location | Date opened | Date closed |
|---|
| Bludso's BBQ[7] | Compton, California | 2008[8] | September 2016 |
| Bludso's Bar & Que | Hollywood, California | 2013 | |
| Bludso's Bar-B-Que[9] | The Proud Bird Food Bazaar, California | 2017[10] | |
| Bludso's BBQ[11] [12] | Banc of California Stadium, California | 2018[13] | |
|
Australia
Television appearances
Notes and References
- News: Celebrating Diversity: Kevin Bludso of Bludso's Bar & Que. Tableside Mag. February 25, 2020. Kristen. Reames.
- News: Texas Monthly. Interview: Kevin Bludso of Bludso's BBQ. August 5, 2015. Daniel. Vaughn.
- News: The Washington Post. Tim. Carman. Black pitmasters deserve their rightful place in history, says barbecue elder statesman Kevin Bludso. September 19, 2020.
- News: Corsicana Daily Sun. Corsicana lessons translate to Hollywood dining success. June 16, 2013. Janet. Jacobs.
- News: The Wall Street Journal. BBQ: The Ultimate Guide. Kronsberg. Matthew. July 25, 2020.
- News: Amy. Scatterwood. Bludso's BBQ in Compton closes, to reopen in a new location. November 16, 2016. Los Angeles Times.
- Web site: Bludso's Bar & Que. Bludso's Bar & Que. October 6, 2020.
- News: It's Not Texas, but the Barbecue Can Fool You. The New York Times. March 17, 2012. Reid. J. C..
- Web site: Food Bazaar. The Proud Bird. October 7, 2020.
- News: Iconic Proud Bird restaurant reopens as food bazaar near LAX. Daily Breeze. June 29, 2017. Cynthia. Washicko.
- News: Your LAFC stadium food guide: Bludso's, Beer Belly and Seoul Sausage. Jenn. Harris. April 27, 2018. Los Angeles Times.
- Web site: Banc Of California Stadium Opens With Culinary Collection Of Los Angeles Favorites. Los Angeles Football Club. October 7, 2020. April 16, 2018.
- News: Bludso's Brings Barbecue Credentials to LA's New Soccer Stadium. Farley. Elliott. March 15, 2018.
- Web site: San Antone by Bludso's BBQ. Crown Melbourne. October 6, 2020.
- Web site: Texas pit master to open San Antone by Bludso's BBQ in Melbourne's Crown. Roslyn. Grundy. November 5, 2015. goodfood.
