Chef Ray Sheehan Inducted into the “Order of the Magic Mop”

On November 7th in Overland Park, Kansas, something special happened in the world of barbecue. At Smoketown BBQ, pitmaster, author, and community champion Ray Sheehan was officially inducted into the Order of the Magic Mop—one of the most distinguished honors in barbecue.

The ceremony was led by Barbecue Hall of Famer Ardie Davis, who presented Ray with the symbolic Magic Mop in recognition of his contributions to the betterment of barbecue and humankind, and his ongoing efforts to bring more young people into the world of barbecue.

A Night Filled with Barbecue Legends

Ray’s induction was witnessed by a lineup of respected guests from the barbecue community, including:

• Bernetta McKindra of the Henry Perry Foundation
• Brian DeCoud (Operation BBQ Relief, Certified Master Judge)
• Brian “Big Tex” Nowotny, longtime barbecue enthusiast
• Brian Garrett, a key member of Chef Ray’s BBQ Team

In a standout moment of the evening, Ray was presented with a personalized Magic Mop signed by Ardie Davis, Carolyn Wells, and marked with a dedication for Chef Paul Kirk. The mop itself is believed to be the last of its kind, crafted by the late Mr. Gattuso with an olive wood handle, an Egyptian cotton head, stainless steel wire, and a stainless steel nail. The rarity of the piece makes the honor even more meaningful.

From Competition Pit to Everyday Kitchen

Ray has long been known for his award-winning barbecue sauces, rubs, and cookbooks, as well as his approachable teaching style and mentorship of up-and-coming pitmasters. His products are crafted in small batches using premium, all-natural ingredients and have earned national recognition from competitions and organizations across the country.

If you’d like to taste the flavors that helped shape this journey, you can explore the full line of sauces and rubs here:

• Shop Sauces & Rubs
• Memphis Mop BBQ Sauce – the sauce that started it all
• Memphis Mop BBQ Sauce – Order of the Magic Mop – a special edition bottle celebrating this honor
• The Sauce Bundle – Memphis Mop, Kansas City BBQ Sauce, and Jersey Heat Hot Sauce in one pack
• The BBQ Sampler – Memphis Mop, Kansas City BBQ Sauce, The OG BBQ Rub, and The Beef Rub
• Award Winning BBQ Sauces and How To Use Them (Author-Signed) – Ray’s cookbook packed with recipes, techniques, and stories

About Chef Ray’s LLC

Chef Ray’s LLC crafts premium BBQ sauces and seasonings inspired by classic American barbecue traditions. With multiple national awards—including recognition from The American Royal, NBBQA, Sauce King NYC, The Flave Awards, and more—Chef Ray’s brand is known for flavor, authenticity, and a true passion for barbecue.

Every bottle and blend is made with care, designed to help you bring competition-level flavor to your backyard, your tailgate, or your weeknight dinner.

Ready to fire up the grill? Explore all of our sauces, rubs, bundles, and books in the full product collection, and join us in celebrating Ray’s induction into the Order of the Magic Mop.