Charlie McKenna Author's Instagram Author's Website Title: Cooking Expert Education: Culinary Institute of America Location: Greenville, South Carolina Expertise: Cooking, Dining, BBQ, Grilling, Smoking, Rubs Charlie McKenna is a cooking expert who graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in 2000.Highlights:Owns and operates Lillie’s Q, a BBQ sauce and rubs company inspired by his Grandmother Lillie’s own southern cooking.2007 and 2016 Memphis in May award-winner for BBQ competition Experience Charlie McKenna is a master BBQ and rubs chef. After graduating from New York’s Culinary Institute of America in 2000, he became a sous chef at two legendary Chicago-based restaurants, Tru and Avenues in the Peninsula Hotel.His southern inspiration has won him numerous awards, including in 2007 and 2016 at Memphis in May. While his love of southern cooking has expanded with Southern Revival Hospitality, his restaurant group, it’s his BBQ sauces and rubs that are his true passion. Combined with his early upbringing at his grandmother Lillie’s dinner table, he began and operates Lillie’s Q, a cooking company that provides southern BBQ sauces, rubs, and kettle chips to those who want to bring the southern flair to their own dinner table. Education The Culinary Institute of America About Better Homes & Gardens Better Homes & Gardens, a Dotdash Meredith Brand, is the only iconic home brand with a 100+ year history of providing trustworthy and achievable ideas for all doers and home-enthusiasts. We are the go-to resource for fresh takes on home, food, and gardening—inspiring people to bring their dreams to life at home on special occasions and every day. BHG reaches 45 million readers each month. Learn more about us and our editorial process.