[photo source: Come ‘N Get BBQ]

When Bergen County’s own Shannon Ambrosio became a chef, he traveled the South to learn everything he could about traditional southern BBQ. He runs Come ‘N Get BBQ, a mobile BBQ restaurant and can be found at different street fairs and festivals in and around the tri-state area. Now that he has “conquered” the BBQ scene in New York, he and his boys are hitting the road to see if he can measure up against the best pit masters in the south in Big Bad BBQ Battle, which airs this Sunday, May 31, 2015 at 8pm ET on Cooking Channel.

Shannon heads to Ft. Worth, Texas to take on family BBQ dynasty Cousins Bar-B-Que in a smoked brisket cook off. To help Shannon prepare for battle, local legend Jack Perkins reveals the secret ingredient to his award-winning brisket – espresso. After creating his own signature coffee blend, Shannon’s inspired to combine the coffee with his other favorite beverage – whiskey – in an Irish Coffee brisket marinade. The one thing Shannon didn’t prepare for in this battle? “Texas” Shannon – a feisty pit mistress who isn’t letting Shannon take this battle without a fight. It’s family vs. family as Shannon and his brother, Big Rich, go head to head against the BBQ establishment.

Shannon then heads to Shreveport, Louisiana to battle local BBQ legend Hickory Stick in a down home, down south pulled pork sandwich cook off. Shannon may be a master up north, but to smoke the competition down on the bayou, Shannon needs to make a few pit stops to learn the local flavors and get some inspiration for his Italian-inspired twist on Louisiana-style ‘cue. Hickory Stick owners Linda and Scott have perfected their classic pulled pork sandwich over 38 years, but Shannon’s hoping his sweet and savory crawfish zeppole side dish may help win over the judges’ taste buds. Will Shannon claim victory or will tradition win the day?

More info on the show is available the Cooking Channel website with full details on Shannon and his cooking at the Come ‘N Get BBQ website.