TSU Alumna Shaticka Robinson Wins Netflix’s ‘Barbecue Showdown’

Tennessee State University alumna Shaticka Robinson has garnered significant attention by winning Netflix’s “Barbecue Showdown.”

Robinson, a Nashville native, earned the distinction of Season 3 champion on the popular eight-episode series, which premiered on July 4th. The show featured nine top barbecue masters competing in a series of intense cooking challenges. Hosted by comedian and actress Michelle Buteau and judged by chefs Kevin Bludso and Melissa Cookston, Robinson emerged victorious, taking home a $50,000 cash prize and a 48″ deluxe Lang barbecue smoker—rewards fitting her dedication and talent in barbecue.

Her journey to barbecuing and cooking stardom began well before her Netflix fame. She learned the art of barbecuing from her father and never imagined her skills would lead her to such heights. Back in Nashville, Robinson is celebrated for her successful business, Coley’s Jook Junt.

During the height of the 2020 pandemic, Robinson started Coley’s Jook Junt as an at-home catering service, providing meals to friends, family, and neighbors in Hendersonville who were longing for their usual dining experiences. What began as a kind gesture quickly transformed into a flourishing business. As the word spread, Coley’s Jook Junt evolved from a small service into a beloved local enterprise, offering comprehensive barbecue feasts to the community.

For Robinson, barbecue is more than a culinary skill; it’s deeply embedded in her upbringing. “Barbecue is like community. It’s like family,” Robinson remarked in an interview with The Tennessean. “It’s that feeling of whenever summer came, I knew that I was going to see all my family because we’re going to have tons of different cookouts.”

In 2022, Robinson expanded her business by purchasing a food truck, bringing Coley’s Jook Junt on the road. Despite her responsibilities as an executive chef at Tennessee State University, she remained dedicated to growing her business.

During the “Barbecue Showdown” finale, Netflix transformed the kitchens into mini recreations of Robinson’s and her competitor’s dream restaurants. Robinson’s setup featured a wooden sign with “Coley’s Jook Junt” in vibrant blue letters prominently displayed. “To see that, it was the most amazing feeling ever. It visually makes it so real, like: ‘Oh, this can happen,’” Robinson shared.

With her recent win and the accompanying prize money, Robinson is eager to further elevate her business. She plans to commit herself fully to Coley’s Jook Junt. “I’m going to make myself available to where people are able to come out and enjoy my food and what I do, and hopefully, to grow this into where you can see Coley’s as a brick-and-mortar,” Robinson explained.

As Coley’s Jook Junt continues to capture taste buds and gain acclaim, Robinson’s story serves as a powerful reminder that with hard work and vision, dreams can indeed become reality.

For those looking to savor the flavors of Coley’s Jook Junt at home, Robinson offers her signature Coley’s Elevated AF Rib Rub online, along with branded merchandise such as t-shirts, hats, and glassware bearing her motto, “I’m bougie about my barbecue.” To track the food truck’s locations and stay updated, follow Robinson and Coley’s on Instagram.

Source: Tennessean, Netflix