Overtown CRA Announces Semi-Finalists for People’s Choice Barbecue Cookoff

Winner could earn opportunity to lease historic People’s Barbecue building

MIAMI, Fla. — The Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is blending history, food and economic opportunity with the upcoming People’s Choice Barbecue Cookoff, a public event celebrating Overtown’s culinary legacy while opening the door for a new generation of entrepreneurs.

The free community event will take place Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the 9th Street Pedestrian Mall, 819 NW 2nd Ave., Miami.

Three semi-finalists will compete for the chance to lease the fully renovated Historic People’s Barbecue Building, a landmark that has served the Overtown community for more than 50 years.

The semi-finalists include:

• Extra Butter Miami, competing as People’s Outlaw BBQ
• Rosie’s, competing as Black Pit BBQ
• McKays Catering, competing as Queen of the Kitchen

At the conclusion of the cookoff, the winning competitor will advance to the final Request for Proposals (RFP) review process for a potential partnership at the historic barbecue site.

“The People’s Choice Barbecue Cookoff represents our commitment to honoring Overtown’s history while building its future,” said James McQueen, executive director of the Southeast Overtown/Park West CRA.

Through its bond initiative, the CRA says the project is designed to strengthen small businesses while preserving cultural landmarks tied to the neighborhood’s Black entrepreneurial legacy.

“By awarding a lease at the Historic People’s Barbecue Building, we ensure that this treasured space remains in the hands of entrepreneurs who understand its significance to this community,” said Christine King, chairwoman of the CRA and Miami District Five commissioner.

For decades, the original People’s Barbecue served as more than a restaurant. It was a gathering place where families met, stories were shared and traditions were passed down. The cookoff aims to reignite that legacy while ensuring the space remains a neighborhood anchor rather than simply a tourist attraction.

Community members will play a central role in the event by tasting barbecue, supporting competitors and celebrating the next chapter of Overtown’s food culture.

Admission is free and open to the public, and attendees can RSVP at PeoplesChoiceBBQ.Eventbrite.com.

Residents, food lovers and longtime supporters are invited to come out, taste the competitors’ dishes and witness the revival of one of Overtown’s most beloved culinary landmarks.