Kevin Bludso

Kevin Bludso (born 1965) is an American chef, restaurateur, and television personality.

Early life Bludso was born in 1965 in Compton, California. His father was a police officer at the Los Angeles Police Department; his mother was a postal service worker. While on summer vacation, Bludso lived with his aunt, Willie Mae Fields, in Corsicana, Texas. Fields introduced him to Texas-style barbecue; at the age of 9 or 10, Bludso was allowed to help with the cooking. He studied business at the Dallas-based Bishop College.

Career Prior to entering the food industry, Bludso worked as a correctional officer for thirteen years. Based in Compton, the restaurant shut down in September 2016, following a dispute with the landlord. Bludso also owns restaurants in Hollywood and Melbourne, Australia. Since 2020, Bludso serves as a judge on the Netflix series The American Barbecue Showdown. Compton, California

The Proud Bird Food Bazaar, California

Bludso's BBQ Banc of California Stadium, California

Australia Restaurant Location Date opened Date closed San Antone Crown Melbourne, Southbank, Victoria November 10, 2015 June 25, 2023

Television appearances

Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives (2013, 2023) Bar Rescue (2015–present) Fire Masters (2019) BBQ Brawl (2019) The American Barbecue Showdown (2020–2024)