Mayor Daniel Rickenmann Joins Southeastern BBQ Showdown as Celebrity Judge

City of Columbia Mayor, Daniel Rickenmann joins the judge’s panel for
the Southeastern BBQ Showdown, June 14-15, 2024.

Columbia, S.C. — Capital City/Lake Murray Country (CCLMC) is thrilled to announce the third esteemed member of the Southeastern BBQ Showdown’s (SEBBQSD) judging panel. City of Columbia, Mayor Daniel Rickenmann, brings a wealth of experience in the restaurant business and a deep connection to the local community, making him an exceptional addition to this team of judges.

Born to Swiss immigrants and raised in Spartanburg, South Carolina, Mayor Rickenmann moved to Columbia to attend the University of South Carolina. After graduating, Rickenmann worked two jobs and saved up to start his own business. His successful restaurant led to more opportunities to invest and grow in Columbia’s community. He has since become a successful entrepreneur and a dedicated public servant, serving two terms on the Columbia City Council. On January 4, 2022, Rickenmann became the 71st Mayor of the City of Columbia.

When asked about his love of BBQ, Mayor Rickenmann shared “My grandmother always said the best way to have a conversation with somebody is around food. Well, barbecue instills that. Because it takes a long time to cook – there’s a ritual to it. I’m preparing it, cooking it, I’m having conversations with people and we might even enjoy a cold beverage…but you’re standing there connecting with someone. This is how you get to know people and to me, that’s the whole purpose of barbecue.” He went on to say “It’s not just about eating with your family and friends. Barbecue brings new people to the table, where you get to know them while working, by being involved together in the cooking process…and of course, there’s the satisfaction of having your belly full.”

Mayor Rickenmann joins “The World’s Strongest Man” Mark Henry, and Chef Brian Duffy of Bar Rescue & Food Network to round out the judges panel for the Southeastern BBQ Showdown’s inaugural year. Don’t miss 2 epic days of BBQ competition, live music from Band of Oz & Alabama, and a vendor expo at the Southeastern BBQ Showdown, on June 14-15 at Segra Park. Tickets are on sale now (Friday: $37.50 and Saturday $50+). Military and First Responder Field Level Tickets are sponsored by Prisma Health at a reduced price of $35. Visit SoutheasternBBQShowdown.com to purchase and for more information.

Southeastern BBQ Showdown Event Details:

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Date/Time: June 14-15, 2024 | 4-10 p.m.

Location: Segra Park – 1640 Freed Street, Columbia, S.C.

Music: 6/14 Band of Oz | 6/15 Multi-Grammy® Award-Winning Alabama

Tickets: Friday $37.50 | Saturday $50+

     Online: Southeasternbbqshowdown.com

                 In-person: Segra Park [1640 Freed Street, Columbia, SC 29201]

Questions: Contact, Capital City/Lake Murray Country at 803-781-5940 x 200

About Capital City/Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism Board:

CCLMC is the official source for all things Lake Murray Country. To plan your next trip, find information on attractions, dining, hotels, outdoor recreation, fishing, golf, and events. Explore The Top Southern Destinations of Columbia, Richland, Lexington, Newberry, and Saluda. For more information about CCLMC visit LakeMurrayCountry.com or call 803-781-5940 | 1-866-SC-Jewel.

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