When you think of BBQ kings and queens, one name stands out—Melissa Cookston. Born in Mississippi, this chef rules a space filled with men. She has smoked ribs, won big titles, and shown great business skills. But what is this queen of BBQ worth? Let us light the fire and find out.
Who is Melissa Cookston?
Melissa Cookston is not your usual pitmaster. She’s won the world BBQ title seven times, was the first woman to win at Memphis in May, and runs strong in the food business. With her own style, bold taste, and strong ways, she’s a star in American BBQ culture.
Why is She Famous?
Her tasty ribs and great smoked pork made her well-known. Melissa became a star on TV shows like BBQ Pitmasters, wrote top-selling books, and built a big restaurant empire. She’s not just a chef—she’s a brand.
Melissa Cookston’s Career Journey
Starting Out in BBQ
Melissa Cookston began with a food truck and a smoker back in the early 2000s. She and her husband won many BBQ contests, showing her skill in a field full of strong pros.
Winning BBQ Contests
She did more than win—she ruled. With more than seven world titles, Melissa became a known name in the world of BBQ.
Turning to Business
Melissa used her wins and fame to grow. She started making money not just from wins but by making her own businesses.
Sources of Melissa Cookston’s Money
Winning Competitions
Melissa’s early wins brought in cash. Some BBQ events give money from $10,000 to $50,000, and she has won a lot of them.
Running Restaurants
The Memphis BBQ Company
This is her key brand. In Mississippi and Georgia, this winning chain gives top BBQ to all.
Steak by Melissa
A newer, higher-end place, Steak by Melissa, shows her move into fine dining. It also makes good money.
Writing Cookbooks
Her books, like “Smokin’ in the Boys’ Room” and “Smokin’ Hot in the South,” are big hits. With steady sales on Amazon and in stores, these books keep making money.
TV Shows
Melissa has been on big shows like:
• BBQ Pitmasters
• Chopped
• The Kitchen
• The Today Show
Each show makes her more known and brings in cash or more fame.
Deals and Sponsors
She’s worked with brands for sauces, tools, and grills—some with her name or special mixes.
Estimated Worth of Melissa Cookston
How Much is Melissa’s Net worth in 2025?
In 2025, Melissa Cookston’s net worth is thought to be between $5 million and $7 million. This includes her businesses, assets, media work, and ideas.
Year-by-Year Growth in Worth
Her worth has grown:
• 2020: ~$2.5 million
• 2022: ~$4.3 million
• 2025: ~$6+ million
All thanks to wise money moves and growing her business.
More Business Moves
Restaurant Growth
Melissa’s food places are doing well, and she plans to open more.
Merchandise
Her name is now on BBQ mixes, sauces, tools, and even BBQ clothes—sold online and in some shops.
Talks and BBQ Classes
Melissa asks for good money for live and online cooking classes, and talks at big events.
Awards and High Points
BBQ Hall of Fame
In 2017, she was the first woman in the Barbecue Hall of Fame, showing her skill and impact.
World Titles and Praise
With over 7 top titles, she’s seen as one of the best BBQ masters alive.
Her Life and Role
As a Woman in BBQ
In a world run by men, Melissa stands tall. She has helped other women chefs and backs variety in BBQ contests.
Her Effect on Future BBQ Chefs
Many new BBQ masters look up to her, especially women starting in this field.
Her Living and Wealth
Melissa owns homes in Mississippi and Georgia, with a great kitchen and places to smoke food outside.
Cars and Fancy Things
She keeps it simple but owns a top SUV and has put money into great BBQ trailers.
Her Online World
YouTube and Facebook Money
Her YouTube guides and Facebook live shows pull in lots of viewers. With ads and other money plans, this adds a good sum to her funds.
Instagram and Branding
On Instagram, Melissa works with brands on posts for tools, grills, and spices.
Setbacks and Tests
Business Issues
Like many during the health crisis, she faced closures and supply troubles but came back stronger.
Bias in Her Field
Melissa has talked about doubts and pushback as a woman in this field, but has shown them wrong time and again.
Her Lasting Mark
Shaping BBQ
She has led the way for future chefs and raised the bar in the BBQ world.
Pushing Women in Food
Melissa’s story shows that with skill and drive, anything is possible—even in a world filled with men and smoke.
In Closing
Melissa Cookston is much more than a BBQ master—she’s a force in the food world. With her food places, books, wins, and passion for BBQ, she’s made smoke into gold. Her story is one to follow, and her net worth is only going up.
FAQs
How did Melissa Cookston get well-known?
She got famous by winning big BBQ contests and by being on TV shows like BBQ Pitmasters.
Where does Melissa Cookston make her money?
Her big money comes from her places to eat, her books on cooking, and her TV spots.
Is Melissa Cookston still in contests?
Yes, she still takes part in some contests and keeps on helping and teaching at big BBQ times.
Does she run a YouTube channel?
Yes! She puts up cooking tips, how-tos, and look-inside stuff on her YouTube and Facebook pages.
What places does she run?
Melissa owns places like The Memphis BBQ Company and Steak by Melissa, plus a few other work things.
