Grilling with Golic and Hays

Pitmaster Hays and former ESPN radio host Golic deliver recipes as flavorful as they are uplifting in this tribute to ‘the healing power of BBQ.’ … This is sure to fire up backyard cooks. (Publishers Weekly)

Operation BBQ Relief

Operation BBQ Relief is a 501©(3) nonprofit founded in May 2011. It began as part of relief efforts for Joplin, Missouri, after a devastating EF-5 tornado. Competitive pitmasters and grillmasters from eight states came together to feed displaced families and first responders, serving over 120,000 meals in 13 days.

To date, Operation BBQ Relief has served over 9 million meals in 30 states, relying on more than 14,000 volunteers. The organization, from its staff and volunteers to its network of pitmasters nationwide, is united by the mission to share the healing power of barbecue through their talents and resources.

Stan Hays

Stan Hays is the CEO and co-founder of Operation BBQ Relief. A seasoned and accomplished competitor on the barbecue circuit, Hays, along with co-founder Will Cleaver, launched Operation BBQ Relief in response to the 2011 Joplin, Missouri tornado. Hays’s passion for barbecue and his desire to assist those in distress led to the creation of Operation BBQ Relief, which has since served over 9 million meals across 30 states.

In 2017, Hays was recognized as a “CNN Hero” for his dedication to Operation BBQ Relief. He has competed in over 35 sanctioned barbecue contests, achieving two grand champion awards, four reserve championships, and numerous top 10 finishes. He was also the runner-up in the 2015 season of Chopped: Grill Masters on Food Network and won Food Network Canada’s Firemasters in 2019.

Mike Golic

Mike Golic, a former nine-year NFL veteran and radio host for ESPN’s Mike & Mike, lends his voice to raise national awareness for Operation BBQ Relief as its spokesperson for 2021. Golic is passionate about barbecue and serving his community, and he actively supports Operation BBQ Relief’s mission.

Before his involvement with Operation BBQ Relief, Golic was a prominent figure at ESPN for 23 years. He was best known as one half of the popular morning show Mike & Mike on ESPN Radio, and later Golic & Wingo. His extensive career at ESPN Radio earned him induction into both the Radio and NASB Halls of Fame. Golic also served as an NFL studio analyst on NFL Live and worked as a color commentator for arena, college, and NFL football. Prior to his time at ESPN, he played for the Houston Oilers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Miami Dolphins.