Brownsville legend inducted into BBQ Hall of Fame
JACKSON, Tenn. — One Brownsville native is still making a difference and she believes a great meal is the way to anyone’s heart.
Since 1996, Helen Turner turner has dedicated over two decades to perfecting the art of barbecue. Now a local legend, Turner is a former pitmaster and restaurant owner of Helen’s BBQ in Brownsville.
The establishment has had a long running legacy that lasted 28 years. Turner is one of five BBQ industry legends to be inducted into the 2025 Barbecue Hall of Fame presented by the American Royal.
Helen’s BBQ served pork shoulders, BBQ, bologna, ribs, potato salad, coleslaw and baked beans.
“I prepared all of that homemade and my BBQ sauce would set it off,” said Turner.
The sauce wasn’t the only thing special. Turner’s long lasting impression made her meals unforgettable.
In 2012, Turner was honored with the Ruth Fertel Keeper of the Flame award by the Southern Foodways Alliance, recognizing her significant contributions to southern culinary traditions.
SFA also awarded Turner the 2022 Lifetime Achievement award with a film created in her honor by documentary filmmaker Zaire Love.
“I loved every moment of it until I got ready to retire. I loved dealing with a lot of people. I just loved my customers, all of them were wonderful,” said Turner.
Helen’s BBQ has been in multiple magazines and featured in 11 countries. Her authentic cooking style is what sets her apart.
“I don’t think there’s is ever anyone that would want to cook like I cook because I cooked with wood open pits. I had people from out of town that would want to go out back and then they go, ‘I can’t do this. I can’t stand all this smoke!'” said Turner.
Cedric the Entertainer and Comedian Anthony Anderson were some of the few that didn’t last long in Helen’s smoke shack during their visit to her restaurant on their A&E TV show “Kings of BBQ.”
They took valuable notes at this nationally acclaimed staple here in West Tennessee from one of the best to do it.
“They supported me from everywhere. ‘I just love you miss Helen,’ is what they would always say,” said Turner.
Even after Turner’s retirement, friends and family still share their appreciation for her contributions to craft, community and culture.
“I loved everyone of them that came to visit me. Nobody was a stranger and I wasn’t a stranger to nobody. Everybody knew who I was when they saw me,” said Turner.
This year’s hall of fame inductees will be recognized at a black apron presentation and induction ceremony on November 8 during the 45th American Royal World Series of Barbecue, in Kansas City.
For more local news, click here.
