Sam Jones BBQ Nominated for Carolina List

The renowned barbecue institution has been named as a contender in the USA Today 10BEST Carolina-Style Barbecue competition.

Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Barbecue

Sam Jones BBQ Nominated for Carolina List

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Sam Jones BBQ, which operates locations in Winterville and Raleigh, has earned a nomination for the USA Today 10BEST Carolina-Style Barbecue list. This nomination follows the restaurant's second-place finish in the same competition last year.

Why it matters

The recognition highlights the restaurant's ongoing reputation in the competitive North Carolina barbecue scene. The nomination process serves as a benchmark for local culinary institutions aiming for regional and national acclaim.

The restaurant placed 2nd in the 2025 Carolina-Style Barbecue ranking and previously served as the runner-up for Best BBQ in North Carolina in 2019. Voters may cast one ballot per day until the voting period concludes.

The players

Sam Jones BBQ

This established restaurant specializes in traditional North Carolina-style barbecue and maintains two locations in the state.

USA Today 10BEST

This organization conducts annual travel and lifestyle reader polls to rank top businesses and destinations across the United States.

The details

Sam Jones BBQ maintains operations at 715 W. Fire Tower Road in Winterville and 502 W. Lenoir St. in Raleigh. Public voting remains open for the 10BEST list to determine the final rankings among the nominated establishments.

The restaurant was the runner-up for Best BBQ in North Carolina in 2019.
The restaurant achieved a second-place finish in the 10BEST list in 2025.
The public voting period for the current list ends on October 19, 2026.

Culture Shift

The rise of digital reader-ranking platforms like the USA Today 10BEST has fundamentally shifted how local restaurants gain national visibility. These polls tap into local pride, transforming neighborhood dining spots into recognized regional landmarks through sustained community engagement.

Residents and fans of the restaurant can influence the final standings by casting daily votes until the deadline. Participation in this poll allows the public to directly contribute to the national recognition of a local North Carolina business.

The takeaway

Maintaining a high ranking in national polls relies on consistent support from the local community during open voting windows. Readers can support their favorite local establishments by participating in these annual digital competitions.