January 14, 2025
Cleaver and Cork, the premier food, wine, beer, and spirits event hosted by the Tallahassee State College Foundation, is thrilled to announce that world champion BBQ pitmaster Josh Cooper of Cooper’s Next Level BBQ will be the celebrity chef for the Brunch & Barbeque event on Sunday, March 2, 2025.
A former college football player and nationally recognized political consultant, Cooper has garnered acclaim in the culinary world as a world-champion barbeque pitmaster. He competed on season 8 of Fox's MasterChef and has appeared on the Food Network and Travel Channel. Cooper is also a culinary contributor for Influence Magazine and has served as a celebrity judge for local cooking competitions in Tallahassee.
“I’m thrilled to bring my passion for barbeque and bold flavors to the Brunch & Barbeque event,” said Cooper. "This inaugural event is more than just great food—it's about connecting with the community, supporting education, and creating unforgettable experiences. I'm honored to be part of this milestone celebration and can't wait to share my culinary creations with everyone in Tallahassee."
Cooper's impressive accolades include four first-place finishes at the World BBQ Cooking Contest known as "Memphis in May," being crowned the 2019 World Seafood Champion in Dallas and finishing third overall at the World Food Championships’ Final Table in Indianapolis. He also secured a second-place finish in 2021 and was the Reserve Grand Champion at the 2022 Tampa Pig Fest. Alongside his wife, Gannon, Cooper recently placed fifth in the seafood division of the World Food Championships, which secured his fifth top-10 finish in a row.
"We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Josh Cooper as the celebrity chef for our very first Brunch & Barbecue event," said Amanda Morrison, Cleaver and Cork 2025 co-chair. "Josh’s incredible talent, passion for great food, and engaging personality make him the perfect addition to our incredible lineup of culinary experiences. This event is a unique opportunity for our community to come together, enjoy amazing food, and support the impactful work of the TSC Foundation. We can’t wait to see everyone there!"
Brunch & Barbeque is part of Cleaver and Cork's 10th-anniversary celebration, scheduled from February 23 to March 2, 2025. This outdoor event will take place at the Intramural Field in Tallahassee from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., featuring a delectable array of barbeque and brunch options, complete with a Mimosa and Bloody Mary bar. Tickets are priced at $125 and can be purchased through the Cleaver and Cork website.
Cleaver and Cork is dedicated to creating opportunities for students to define and reach their educational and career goals. Proceeds from the event support the TSC Foundation, enhancing educational programs, scholarships, and teaching and learning facilities.
For tickets and the full event schedule, visit https://cleaverandcorktsc.com.