Convenience Big Store: Your guide to rodeo cookoff-style BBQ in Houston

February 21, 2026

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Good afternoon, Houston!

The 2026 World's Championship Bar‑B‑Que Contest fires up Thursday at NRG Park, marking the smoky kickoff to RodeoHouston. More than 250 teams will compete in this prestigious, invitation-only barbecue event.

It's not just a competition — fans come for the flavors, the spectacle and the festive atmosphere.

Aviva Bechky has details for anyone planning to attend.

Here's the rest of the news.

Alexandria Alejandro, Audience Producer

alexandria.alejandro@houstonchronicle.com

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Feb. 27: Early voting ends
March 3: Primary election day

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3 stories you shouldn't miss

How Houston rodeo cook-off ribs compare to restaurant barbecue

Houston rodeo cook-off season spotlights bold, competition-style pork ribs. Here's how they differ from restaurant barbecue.

Rodeo Roundup: Sign up to get daily coverage and updates to help you prepare for RodeoHouston.

Why Nick Saban is working with a billionaire car dealer in The Woodlands

Forbes says the former Alabama football coach is on track to become a billionaire thanks to Joe Agresti, whose Dream Motor Group, co-owned with Saban, includes Mercedes-Benz of The Woodlands.

UH basketball projected to be top-2 seed in NCAA Tournament

UH's early preview seeding has held up twice in the past three years.

Sign up: Be first to know when big news breaks. Cougar Alerts delivers every major UH story fast.

1 story to bring you joy

Chef and pit master Reginald Scott of Coarse Restaurant slices brisket at the restaurant in Houston, Friday, Feb. 13, 2026.

After 5 years at farmers markets, Houston chef opens new spot for Southern food

Reginald Scott sold sauces, pickles and barbecue at farmers markets and food halls for five years. Coarse will be his first standalone restaurant.

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U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton are competing in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate.

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Members of Friends of the Boulevard, a group of Montrose residents advocating for a more pedestrian-friendly neighborhood, protest at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church on Monday evening during the Montrose TIRZ open house, which was held to present preliminary information on the planned reconstruction of West Alabama Street in Houston, Monday, June 23, 2025.

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