Juicy Brucey’s win top awards at state’s largest BBQ tailgate event


Shown are Bruce Barrett, Danielle Barrett, Joshua Barrett, Wesley Barrett, Shawn Walchef and Derek Marso.

On Sunday, November 5, the Barrett Family of Valley Center, aka Juicy Brucey’s Smokin’ Hot Meat, competed in the 8th Annual Spring Valley Tailgate and BBQ Festival, which is the largest BBQ and Tailgate Festival in California.

They won the People’s Choice Award and 1st Place for Carne Asada.

Bruce, Danielle, Joshua, and Wesley Barrett were busy making sure their competition meats were turned in on time, all the while serving samples and collecting 1074 BBQ tokens, many of which were from repeat customers. Unfortunately, due to popular demand, they ran out of Pulled Pork, Pork Ribs, Carne Asada, Tri-Tip, and Chicken.  They had to close off their line just a few minutes before the competition ended. All of their efforts paid off when they were called as the People’s Choice Winner.

However, before they were announced as the People’s Choice Winner, they were announced as the 1st place winner for Carne Asada.  Being that the Barretts are not SoCal natives, Carne Asada is not one of their usual meats.  As a matter of fact, the first time they had ever smoked Carne Asada was for the competition that day. So, you could imagine their surprise when Juicy Brucey’s Smokin’ Hot Meat was announced as the Carne Asada winner.

Trophies from the Spring Valley Tailgate and BBQ Festival.

Proceeds from the day go to The Marso Walchef Youth Empowerment Organization, which is dedicated to improving the lives of adverse youth through recreation, fitness and mentorship through sports.

Juicy Brucey’s Smokin’ Hot Meat is a local family owned and operated business.  They are available to do catering and events.  However, if you are looking for a chance to try their smoked meat, now that the Valley Center Farmer’s Market has closed for the season, you will find them at Wild Barrel Brewing and SoCal Batting Center in San Marcos on Fridays from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from noon to 8 p.m.

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