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Lee Ann Whippen's Age, Net Worth, And 5 Shocking Facts About The BBQ Hall Of Famer

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The question of Lee Ann Whippen's exact age remains one of the most frequently searched queries about the world-renowned pitmaster, celebrity chef, and television personality. As of December 23, 2025, Lee Ann Whippen's precise date of birth has not been publicly disclosed, a preference she maintains to keep her personal life private.

However, based on various public records and historical articles, it is estimated that Lee Ann Whippen was born in the mid-to-late 1960s, placing her current age in her late 50s to early 60s. Her career is defined not by her age, but by a quarter-century of dominance in the competitive barbecue circuit, her successful restaurant ventures like Chicago q and Deviled Pig, and her high-profile appearances on the Food Network.

Lee Ann Whippen: Complete Biography and Professional Profile

Lee Ann Whippen is an American pitmaster, chef, restaurateur, and television personality who has earned the title of World Champion and is recognized as a pioneer among female competitors in the male-dominated world of competitive barbecue.

  • Full Name: Lee Ann Whippen
  • Estimated Age (as of 2025): Late 50s to Early 60s (Born circa 1965-1970)
  • Date of Birth: Not publicly disclosed
  • Place of Birth: Miami Beach, Florida, USA
  • Nationality: American
  • Primary Profession: Pitmaster, Chef, Restaurateur, TV Personality
  • Key Businesses: Wood Chick's BBQ Restaurants & Catering Company (Founder/Owner), Chicago q (Former Chef/Partner), Deviled Pig (Co-Founder/Pitmaster)
  • Notable TV Appearances: BBQ Brawl: Flay V. Symon (Season 1 Winner), BBQ Pitmasters (Season 7), Food Network, American Destination Channel
  • Major Awards/Titles: World Champion Pitmaster, Food Network Champion, "Master of 'Cue" (BBQ Brawl), BBQ Hall of Famer (Pit Boss Ambassador)
  • Affiliations: Pit Boss Grills (Ambassador/Partner), Kansas City Barbecue Society (KCBS) Certified BBQ Judge, KCBS Member

The Path to Pitmaster Glory: From Wood Chick's to the Hall of Fame

Whippen’s journey into the world of professional barbecue began over 25 years ago, a dedication that has since seen her open and operate six different BBQ restaurants and secure a spot in the unofficial 'BBQ Hall of Fame' through her partnership with Pit Boss Grills.

The Wood Chick's BBQ Dynasty

Lee Ann Whippen first gained national attention as the founder and owner of Wood Chick's BBQ Restaurants & Catering Company, based in Virginia. The restaurant quickly became a local institution, winning *The Virginian Pilot's* "Best of Chesapeake" award for Best BBQ and Ribs six years in a row, starting in 2004.

Her work at Wood Chick's established her reputation for authentic, slow-smoked Southern-style cooking. Her signature pulled pork sandwich, which uses pork that is smoked in-house, has been recognized by the Food Network for its quality and flavor.

Chicago q and the Move to Urban BBQ

In 2010, Whippen relocated to Chicago to take on the role of Chef/Partner at Chicago q, an upscale, urban BBQ restaurant situated in the city's prestigious Gold Coast neighborhood. This move showcased her versatility, proving that her championship-level pitmaster skills could translate seamlessly into a fine-dining, metropolitan environment.

Her tenure at Chicago q helped solidify the city's burgeoning reputation as a serious barbecue destination in the Midwest, a trend she was keen to promote.

5 Shocking Facts About Lee Ann Whippen's Career

While her age is a mystery, her career achievements are an open book of incredible success and competitive tenacity. These five facts highlight her impact on the barbecue and culinary world.

1. She Is the "Master of 'Cue"

In 2019, Lee Ann Whippen achieved one of her most significant television victories by winning the premier season of the Food Network competition show *BBQ Brawl: Flay V. Symon*. She was named the "Master of 'Cue" after successfully competing against seven other barbecue greats, proving her skills against teams led by celebrity chefs Bobby Flay and Michael Symon.

2. Her New Restaurant is a Collaboration with a Sandwich Champion

Whippen’s most recent major venture is Deviled Pig, a restaurant in South Tampa, Florida, which she co-founded with fellow culinary champion Jennifer Daskevich. Daskevich is a renowned food competitor in her own right, having won the World Food Champion title in the sandwich category in 2013-2014. The restaurant, whose name is inspired by Tampa's classic deviled crab, has quickly become a local favorite for smoked meats and signature deviled eggs.

3. She Has a Major Partnership with Pit Boss Grills

In August 2021, Pit Boss Grills, one of the fastest-growing brands in the grilling industry, announced a major partnership with Lee Ann Whippen, naming her an official ambassador. This partnership recognizes her status as a World Champion Pitmaster and further cements her influence in the BBQ community, allowing her to share her expertise through the brand's platform.

4. She is a Highly Decorated Competitive Pitmaster

Whippen’s restaurant success is built on an unparalleled competitive foundation. Over her two-decade-plus career, she has won multiple world, national, and state barbecue championships. Her competition team, Wood Chick's BBQ Competition Cooking Team, has been a consistent force on the circuit, with Whippen serving as the Lead Pitmaster.

5. She is a KCBS Certified Judge and TV Co-Host

Beyond competing, Lee Ann Whippen actively shapes the future of barbecue as a respected authority. She is a certified judge for the Kansas City Barbecue Society (KCBS), one of the largest organizations of barbecue enthusiasts and professionals globally. Furthermore, she has served as a co-host for the television program *BBQ Nation*, continuing her role as a media personality and educator in the world of 'cue.

Lee Ann Whippen’s Enduring Legacy in Barbecue

Lee Ann Whippen’s impact on the barbecue world extends far beyond the age listed on her profile. She has successfully navigated the transition from a competitive pitmaster on the circuit to a celebrated restaurateur and a trusted media personality. Her success with Wood Chick's BBQ in Virginia, her culinary partnership at Chicago q, and her latest venture, Deviled Pig in Tampa, all demonstrate a commitment to both the tradition and the evolution of American barbecue.

Her television appearances, particularly her victory on *BBQ Brawl*, have inspired a new generation of pitmasters, especially women, to enter the competitive landscape. By partnering with major industry brands like Pit Boss Grills, she continues to influence how people cook and enjoy smoked meats at home. Lee Ann Whippen is not just a chef; she is a barbecue icon whose fresh, unique, and authoritative voice continues to define the industry.

lee ann whippen age
lee ann whippen age

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