Sioux Falls, SD (KELO AM) - The employees of Rowdy Hogs Smokin’ BBQ say they were just fed up with having to lie to their customers about why they have never participated in RibFest. “We always tell all the people we know, all our customers, we are just too busy – we can’t do it” said Mark Lambert, owner of the Sioux Falls restaurant.
Those lies ended on Tuesday when Lambert’s son posted the real story to the restaurant’s Facebook page, saying “2 years in a row now we have tried to compete in our "local" ribfest. Only to be turned away so that big name out of state operations can have exclusive rights.” Within 24 hours over 100 people responded to the post, may supporting the business or saying they will no longer spend money at the event, which has become a summer staple in Sioux Falls.
Lambert told KELO Radio’s Mark Russo he isn’t upset with the lack of local competition for the national traveling vendors; it’s more about where the money RibFest generates goes to. “Every dime that gets spent at our location, we spend it with local businesses. That’s not happening with national vendors. When they leave, the money leaves with them.” He said he has nothing against the national touring vendors, it’s their job to tour and showcase their products, but he thinks there should be a spot or two reserved for local joints in the competition as well.
“What’s right is right, ya know we are South Dakota boys and very proud of it. We should be able to be part of an organization at large, and keep some of that money local.” He went on to say. “I’m standing my ground; everything you eat at Rowdy Hogs Smokin BBQ was created by us, we’re very proud to say we have South Dakota BBQ.”
While they may not get to test that barbecue against the national chains, in the days since they broke the silence Strawbale Winery said they would be willing to host a local BBQ showcase at their location near Renner. The 605 Summer Classic outdoor concert also offered Rowdy Hogs a free vendor both at their event as well.