Kevin Bludso (born 1965) is an American chef, restaurateur, and television personality.
Early life Bludso was born in 1965 in Compton, California. His father was a police officer at the Los Angeles Police Department; his mother was a postal service worker. While on summer vacation, Bludso lived with his aunt, Willie Mae Fields, in Corsicana, Texas. Fields introduced him to Texas-style barbecue; at the age of 9 or 10, Bludso was allowed to help with the cooking. He studied business at the Dallas-based Bishop College.
Career Prior to entering the food industry, Bludso worked as a correctional officer for thirteen years. He opened Bludso's BBQ in 2008, serving as its pitmaster. Based in Compton, the restaurant shut down in September 2016, following a dispute with the landlord. Bludso also owns restaurants in Hollywood and Melbourne, Australia. Since 2020, Bludso serves as a judge on the Netflix series The American Barbecue Showdown.
Personal life As of September 2020, Bludso resides in Texas. He is a fan of the Dallas Cowboys.
Restaurants owned by Bludso United States Restaurant Location Date opened Date closed Bludso's BBQ Compton, California 2008 September 2016 Bludso's Bar & Que Hollywood, California 2013 Bludso's Bar-B-Que The Proud Bird Food Bazaar, California 2017 Bludso's BBQ Banc of California Stadium, California 2018
Australia Restaurant Location Date opened Date closed San Antone Crown Melbourne, Southbank, Victoria November 10, 2015 June 25, 2023
Television appearances
Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives (2013, 2023) Bar Rescue (2015–present) Fire Masters (2019) BBQ Brawl (2019) The American Barbecue Showdown (2020–2024) Barbeque Smoke out on Tastemade (2026-present)
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