Melissa Cookston Net Worth (Updated 2025).

Melissa Cookston, a name that’s become synonymous with barbecue excellence, didn’t always grace the covers of magazines or host popular TV shows. Her journey began in the small town of Batesville, Mississippi, where she was raised on a farm, learning the art of cooking from her grandmother. It was here that her love for the culinary arts was ignited, especially her passion for low and slow cooking, a skill she would later perfect and make her mark on the world of barbecue.

Cookston’s first foray into competitive barbecue was in 2004, when she decided to enter a local competition on a whim. She didn’t have a pit, let alone a team, but her determination and natural talent saw her through. She borrowed a pit, assembled a makeshift team, and to everyone’s surprise, including her own, she won the Grand Champion title. This victory was just the beginning of her meteoric rise in the barbecue world.

Melissa Cookston’s Current Net Worth (2025)

As of 2025, Melissa Cookston’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million, according to the latest available information. This figure reflects her success in the culinary industry and her entrepreneurial ventures.

Career

Melissa Cookston is a renowned pitmaster and restaurateur, best known for winning the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest at Memphis in May three times. She has also authored several cookbooks and appeared on various food television shows, solidifying her status as a barbecue expert.

Other Ventures

Cookston is the owner and operator of the award-winning restaurant, Melissa’s Chicken & Waffles, located in Tunica, Mississippi. She also runs a catering business and offers cooking classes, further diversifying her income streams.

Assets

Cookston’s assets include her restaurant, catering business, and real estate investments. She also owns a fleet of competition barbecue cookers used in various competitions and events. Her extensive collection of awards and trophies from her competition wins are also valuable assets.

Annual Income

Melissa Cookston’s annual income is estimated to be around $300,000. This includes her earnings from her restaurant, catering business, cooking classes, book sales, and competition winnings. Her income also benefits from endorsement deals and appearances on food television shows.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Melissa Cookston

Frequently Asked Questions: Melissa Cookston Net Worth

1. What is Melissa Cookston’s net worth?

Melissa Cookston’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million.

2. How old is Melissa Cookston?

Melissa Cookston was born on August 10, 1969, making her 52 years old.

3. Where is Melissa Cookston from?

Melissa Cookston is from Memphis, Tennessee, USA.

4. What does Melissa Cookston do for a living?

Melissa Cookston is a professional pitmaster, author, and television personality. She is known for her appearances on various food competition shows.

5. How did Melissa Cookston get her start in competitive barbecue?

Melissa Cookston started her competitive barbecue career in 2004, after being inspired by her husband’s love for grilling and smoking meats.

6. What are some of Melissa Cookston’s most notable achievements in competitive barbecue?

Melissa Cookston has won numerous awards and competitions, including the 2011 and 2012 World Food Championships, and the 2015 Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue.

7. Has Melissa Cookston written any books?

Yes, Melissa Cookston has written several cookbooks, including “Smokin’ Hot in the South: Recipes for Foolproof Barbecue” and “Cookston’s Smokin’ Hot BBQ: Recipes from the Road.”

8. What TV shows has Melissa Cookston appeared on?

Melissa Cookston has appeared on various TV shows, such as “BBQ Pitmasters,” “Destination America’s BBQ Pitmasters,” and “Food Network’s Chopped.”

9. Does Melissa Cookston have any restaurants?

Yes, Melissa Cookston owns and operates the Memphis Barbecue Company in Horn Lake, Mississippi.

10. What is Melissa Cookston’s secret to great barbecue?

Melissa Cookston’s secret to great barbecue is using high-quality ingredients, patience, and a lot of practice. She also emphasizes the importance of understanding the science behind smoking meats.