‘Gather and Grill’ with new cookbook from Columbus’ favorite pitmasters, the McLemore Boys

As a community there are a few things Georgians take very seriously: family, faith and food , specifically food you can cook yourself, outside on the grill. These three things collided with a very hospitable bang when I had a chance to sit down with John McLemore and his son, John 2 (pronounced John-too or sometimes as Johnboy) to chat about their upcoming cookbook, Gather and Grill.

It was a party, for sure

I say, “to chat” with these guys, but really, I was warmly welcomed into a celebration that included family and friends. It was a party to celebrate the launch of the cookbook , but it was equal parts good eating and fun fellowship. The McLemore family prepared at least a dozen dishes for everyone to try and no one was ashamed to admit jumping in line for a second helping of the smoked whole beef tenderloin.

The Masterbuilt legacy

Among the guests at the party was John’s father, Dawson McLemore, founder and previous owner of one of Columbus’ most successful companies, Masterbuilt. Family is a cornerstone of the McLemore family, along with their unwavering faith. In fact, the name of the Masterbuilt company comes from a deal Dawson struck with God when he was on the verge of giving up. Darrin bargained that if God would see him through this endeavor, he would name the company after him, and he did - a business “built by the master.”

Fox & Friends Food Experts

Every Columbussite knows about Masterbuilt and more than likely has one of their grills in their yard right now. John and John 2 were the legacies of this company until it changed hands a few years ago. These days they use their considerable charm to act as brand ambassadors for the company and have made a name for themselves as food experts on the Fox and Friends series.

The term “food experts’‘ felt particularly appropriate on the night of the party and they made sure nobody’s plate or glass was empty. All of the dishes came straight from the upcoming book, “Gather and Grill,” and it is a collection of recipes they collected from their family, many of whom were in attendance that night.

It’s all about the family

When I asked them how they decided who to ask or what to ask them to make, John 2 told me it was the recipes they usually bring to family gatherings.

You’ve got T-Maw’s baked beans, Brian’s seared New York strip, MeMaw’s Southern fried chicken and even some good ole boy chicken thighs. For the McLemores, the food is the vessel for their love and their commitment to family.

T-Maw is the engine behind the machine

In fact, the above-mentioned T-Maw, also known as Mama Mac, is John Senior’s wife of 36 years, Tonya, and seems to be both the backbone and heart of the operation. The book is dedicated to her commitment to their family, and she had a hand in every recipe, every photo, every tip contained in the book.

The McLemore family has an enthusiastic energy about them that is really quite infectious. I’ve never given or received more high fives than I did that night hanging out with them. Both John and John 2 have a really great stage presence and they know how to get a laugh. John has also authored three other books in a “ Dadgum That’s Good ” series, but this is John 2’s first round of authorship.

That energy is part of the reason they’ve come to be such recognizable faces on the “Fox & Friends” Summer Tour and why John has been a regular on QVC for years.. They have partnered with major brands like Wonder Bread and 44 Farms and their brand of cookin’, the Gather and Grill method, seems to be what resonates most with people.

Gather and Grill , with a foreword by Steve Doocy, published by HarperCollins goes on sale May 7th on Amazon and any other place you buy your favorite books. You can see the McLemore Boys on the Fox and Friends All-American Concert Series starting on May 27th.

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