smokey john's.s all about the meat whereas in a lot of places it's more about the sauce. that's probably the biggest difference between the two. >> there we go. we're about to check it out. we're about to get a bite. >> we're about to get a bite. he shows me different sides of his personality, this guy knows everything. >> add to that resume, barbecue analyst, troy aikman. before we get to taste-testing here and judging competition, let's learn more about our competitors. this morning, two dallas families turning up the heat. husband and wife due justin and diane fourton of pecan lodge facing off against the two brothers from smoky john's. serving up good meats, good sides and good vibes since they opened up 46 years ago. >> here's our dad smokey john reeves. when people come here, they're like, this is good. this is some of the best i've had. and that's one of the things we're very proud of. >> reporter: their hickory smoked meats not the only things getting rave reviews. >> we put a lot of effort

folks from dallas, smokey john's whose big john sandwich was the big winner, we got from d.c. you a better introduction to the people we have with their delicious, delicious food. also the hardest job this morning our judges, check them out over there -- top chef, richard blaise. also former new york yankee all-star pitcher cc sabathia and the founder of full heart full bell, a friend of ours, chef millie peartree and then, i'm supposed to introduce him as wabc weather anchor sam champion. >> why am i here? >> y'all know sam. >> how did i get here? >> before you get here, take a look at this. our competitors. >> oh! ♪ >> reporter: they took down their local competition. proving their barbecue was the best back home. but now -- >> new york, here we come. >> here we come, new york. we're ready. >> watch out, new york. we're coming. >> we're going to bring this party to the big apple, baby. ♪ >> reporter: each going for the grand prize and believing they've got what it takes to win. >> our barbecue is the best barbecue around. >> our beef short ribs is the best in the u.s. >> bes