Melissa Cookston is more than just a pitmaster, she is a monument in competitive barbecue. As a 7-time World BBQ Champion, restaurant owner, cookbook author, and television personality, Melissa has developed a niche in the culinary world. She has even dubbed herself the “Winningest Woman in Barbecue” to no one’s surprise. It’s not a surprise Melissa exemplifies the word “Winningest” — we continue to see her expand her wealth and influence. In this article, we will delve into Melissa Cookston’s net worth in 2025, her career journey, personal life, businesses, and her relevance as a powerful force amongst a predominantly male society.
Who is Melissa Cookston?
Melissa Cookston is an American celebrity chef, barbecue pitmaster, entrepreneur, and author. She is arguably best known for her award-winning barbecue techniques, and her role as a judge on widely popular shows BBQ Pitmasters and The American Barbecue Showdown. A pioneer in the art of barbeque with decades worth of development in smoked meat, Melissa is not only one of the many respected chefs in this category, but she is also a role model in the shadows of all aspiring women chefs in the competitive atmosphere of barbecue.
Melissa Cookston Biography Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Melissa Cookston |
| Date of Birth | October 29, 1968 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 56 years |
| Birthplace | Greenville, Mississippi, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Pitmaster, Restaurateur, TV Personality, Author |
| Known For | 7-Time World BBQ Champion, Judge on BBQ Shows |
| Marital Status | Married (September 1997) |
| Husband | Pete Cookston |
| Children | 1 Daughter(Lauren Cookston) |
| Current Residence | Hernando, Mississippi |
Melissa Cookston Net Worth in 2025
Melissa Cookston’s net worth is predicted to approximately 5 million to 20 million in 2025. She has accrued wealth through multiple income streams such as, her restaurants, cookbooks, tournament winnings, product lines, speaking payments, and media.
Estimated Income Breakdown:
| Source of Income | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|
| Restaurants (Memphis BBQ Co.) | $2–2.5 Million |
| TV Shows & Appearances | $500K–$750K |
| Cookbooks & Publications | $300K–$500K |
| BBQ Classes & Public Events | $100K–$200K |
| Brand Sponsorships | $200K–$400K |
| Total Estimated Net Worth | $5–6 Million (as of 2025) |
Melissa continues to grow her brand year after year, especially as the popularity of barbecue culture increases globally.
Melissa Cookston’s Educational Background
Melissa Cookston’s journey to becoming the “Winningest Woman in Barbecue” was not only based on the fire and smoke—but also built on an educational foundation. Before she ever ignited her interest in competitions and restaurants, Cookston had already enrolled in major universities:
- She has a degree from St. Louis University, which is where she attended as a young professional.
- She also has a degree from the University of Michigan, which was established by academia before she embarked on the culinary and barbecue world.
Even though Melissa was not trained in a conventional culinary school, her formal education at these reputable institutions likely sharpened her business sense, leadership skills, and organizational discipline; all of which she has utilized to operate restaurants, publish cookbooks, and help mentoring young pitmsters.
Career Journey of Melissa Cookston
Melissa Cookston’s barbecue venture began in the 1990s when she started to compete with her husband, Pete Cookston in small contests. She found her big break when she started winning cautiously at major championships and when they finally attended the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, where she won several times in the Whole Hog division.
Key Career Highlights:
- 7-Time World BBQ Champion
- Owner of Memphis BBQ Company, known nationwide
- Author of two best-selling cookbooks
- Judge on TV shows like BBQ Pitmasters, Chopped, American Barbecue Showdown
- Host of private and public BBQ classes for aspiring chefs
Melissa is also the first female BBQ world champion, making her a trailblazer in a male-dominated industry.
Restaurants Owned by Melissa Cookston
Melissa is the owner/operator of the well-known Memphis Barbecue Company, with locations attracting BBQ fanatics all over the United States. She is an award-winning chef, known for authentic, competition-style barbecue, attention to details, and delicious slow-smoked meats & traditional Southern sides.
| Restaurant Name | Location |
|---|---|
| Memphis BBQ Company | Horn Lake, Mississippi |
| (Formerly in Georgia & NC) | (Closed or Sold Locations) |
Melissa does not just have restaurant locations. She offers online ordering and ships award-winning BBQ sauces and rubs across the country.
Books Written by Melissa Cookston
Melissa has written two award-winning cookbooks that highlight her skills and provide delicious recipes for novice and seasoned cooks alike:
- “Smokin’ in the Boys’ Room”
- “Smokin’ Hot in the South”
The books include recipes and cooking skills, as well as life events from Melissa’s career as a pitmaster.
TV Appearances and Media Presence
Melissa is a recognizable face on several cooking television shows in her roles as contestant, judge and guest chef on:
- BBQ Pitmasters
- Chopped Grill Masters
- American Barbecue Showdown
- Food Network and Netflix Specials
Her fiery personality and unparalleled culinary skills have made her a favorite among barbecue enthusiasts and television foodies.
Melissa Cookston Husband – Pete Cookston
Melissa is married to Pete Cookston, her biggest champion and business partner. Melissa and Pete met in the early 1990’s, and soon began competing in barbecue competitions together. Pete’s support has been vital in helping Melissa manage her restaurants and business lines and has mostly been in the background.
They live together in Hernando, Mississippi with their daughter. There relationship is based on teamwork, love of food, and similar aspirations.
Melissa Cookston’s Personal Life
Even with all her fame, Melissa is a down-to-earth person and family-oriented. She loves spending time with her daughter, trying new recipes, and mentoring young chefs. She also advocates for women in BBQ and consistently tries to nudge females to shatter conventional notions in competitive cooking.
Social Media Presence
Melissa Cookston has built a strong personal brand through social media, where she shares tips, recipes, behind-the-scenes looks, and motivational content.
| Platform | Handle | Followers (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| @melissacookston | 120K+ | |
| @MelissaCookstoncooks | 250K+ | |
| YouTube | @melissacookstonBBQ | 60K+ |
| Website | melissacookston.com | Active Blog & Shop |
Lesser-Known Facts About Melissa Cookston
- First woman to win World Championship Barbecue Contest.
- Started competing in BBQ contests in the 1990’s.
- Award-winning Whole Hog BBQ is what she is known for.
- Was featured on Netflix’s American Barbecue Showdown.
- Runs her own line of BBQ rubs and sauces that are sold online.
- Offers BBQ Masterclasses for those who want to learn how to BBQ.
- Her first book sold out in weeks from release.
- Considered one of the most respected pitmasters in the US.
- Views BBQ as an art and a way of life.
- Her favorite things to cook are ribs, brisket, and pulled pork.
- Believes in a low-and-slow smoking process.
- Lives with her family in Hernando, Mississippi.
- Not only cooks, but butchers, seasons and smokes food herself.
- Champions BBQ culture at global food events.
- A proud advocate for women-led kitchens.
- Ships award-winning BBQ across the country.
- Has a Barbecue Business Bootcamp class for entrepreneurs.
Conclusion
Melissa Cookston’s rise from pitmaster in a small town to multi-millionaire barbecue superstar is a story of pure motivation, ambition, and hard work. With a net worth of $5–6 million in 2025, numerous restaurant ventures, several best-selling cookbooks, and an impressive amount of television credits, she seeks to inspire a new generation of chefs and food enthusiasts. Whether it’s in front of the smoker, in front of the camera, or in front of a live audience — Melissa still knows how to get things hot.
FAQ’s
Melissa Cookston’s net worth is estimated to be between $5 million to $6 million.
She became famous by winning multiple world BBQ championships and appearing as a judge on top culinary shows.
Yes, she is married to Pete Cookston, her longtime partner and business collaborator.
She is a 7-time World BBQ Champion.
Also read: Brooke Williamson Net Worth, Biography, Age, Career, Husband, Family, Restaurants & More (2025)
