As I read an article recently about Jena High School launching Louisiana’s first barbecue club, I couldn’t help but think about the potential for a similar initiative right here in Minden. Jena’s move to create a student-led barbecue club is a creative, exciting way to get young people involved in a pastime that is not only a beloved Southern tradition but a business and cultural driver as well.
Here in Minden, we already have something very special that draws people to our community: Grilling on Main. This annual event has become one of the hallmark occasions that make Minden stand out, filling the streets with delicious aromas and bringing together residents and visitors alike. Grilling on Main not only celebrates our love for good food, but also showcases the sense of community that we have cultivated here.
But what if we could build on this? What if we could take the idea of Grilling on Main to the next level by starting a student-led BBQ club? Just like in Jena, a club for young, aspiring BBQers would be an incredible opportunity for Minden’s youth to engage with a culinary tradition that is central to our region’s identity. It could offer hands-on experience in the art of grilling, but also teach teamwork, entrepreneurship, and responsibility. The best part? It would set Minden up to be known as a BBQ destination for years to come, and could turn our already thriving event into an even bigger regional draw.
Grilling on Main is a fantastic event—last year’s event alone was a testament to our community’s spirit and commitment to showcasing what makes Minden special. However, this new idea of bringing in the youth could enhance the experience and introduce our city’s name to new audiences in creative ways. Imagine a group of local high school students participating in BBQ competitions, showcasing their skills at the event, and even competing in larger regional or national BBQ competitions. It would serve as a powerful way for our community to celebrate our traditions while investing in the future.
By fostering a student-led BBQ club, we could create a pipeline of young talent who are passionate about cooking, proud of their community, and eager to carry forward the Grilling on Main tradition. Not only would this be an exciting opportunity for the students involved, but it would help solidify Minden as a BBQ destination, making it a unique place where grilling is celebrated from generation to generation.
As we look ahead to the next Grilling on Main, let’s think about how we can build on our successes and continue to put Minden on the map. Starting a BBQ club would be a fun, engaging, and educational way to honor our community’s passion for grilling while creating a new generation of talented young chefs.
What do you think? Could Minden become the next great BBQ destination, with a future full of talented young BBQers leading the way? Let’s make it happen.
David Specht is president of Specht Newspapers, Inc., Publisher of the Minden Press-Herald, Bossier Press-Tribune, and BIZ Magazine.