Every January, we all make resolutions — and by February, most of them are already forgotten. But what if this year’s goals were actually enjoyable? 

Enter: BBQ resolutions.

Whether you’re a longtime Knoxville local, a devoted barbecue fan, or someone who just loves a good excuse to eat out more often, these New Year’s resolutions are easy to keep and even easier to enjoy.

From trying new BBQ flavors to supporting local restaurants, consider this your permission slip to make 2026 a little smokier, saucier, and more delicious. Let’s get into it…

Resolution #1: Try One New BBQ Dish Every Month

It’s easy to stick with your go-to order, and we get that. Why fix what’s not broken, right? But part of what makes barbecue so special is the variety. Pulled pork, brisket, ribs, smoked chicken, sausage — every cut brings something different to the table.

If you’re a fan of trying out bold new flavors, make it a goal to try one new BBQ dish each month. Even small changes count. Swap proteins, try a new side, or finally order that one menu item that always caught your eye but never made the cut. 

Over the course of the year, you’ll expand your BBQ horizons and maybe even discover a new favorite.

What we suggest: Start your new monthly goal at Dead End BBQ by working your way through the menu. From slow-smoked meats like brisket, pulled pork, and ribs, to fan-favorite sides like Mayor’s Beans, mac & pimento cheese, and Rocky Top potato salad, we’ve got something for every taste.

Resolution #2: Try Different BBQ Sauces & Rubs

Every BBQ lover has a “default” sauce (you know, the one you reach for without even thinking). But barbecue is all about flavor, and switching things up can completely change the experience.

This year, challenge yourself to try something outside your usual flavor profile. A different sauce or flavor pairing can make a familiar dish feel brand new and help you better understand what kind of BBQ speaks to you the most.

Resolution #3: Host a Backyard BBQ (At Least Once)

PSA: You do not need a huge crowd or professional equipment to host a successful barbecue at home this year. In fact, some of the best gatherings are the most casual ones, where the focus is simply good food and good company.

Hosting a backyard BBQ is less about perfection and more about bringing people together. Whether you cook everything yourself or keep it simple with easy BBQ catering, it’s the shared experience that will make it memorable for you and your guests.

Pro tip: Mix and match how you prep! Smoke your own meats at home and pick up scratch-made sides from Dead End to go with it — or let Dead End handle the meats so you can focus on rounding out the spread with your favorite homemade sides. Either way, you end up with great food without spending the entire day tied to the grill.

Resolution #4: Learn a New BBQ Cooking Skill

Barbecue is part craft and part patience, and even experienced cooks are always learning something new. From understanding heat control to knowing when meat is truly ready to rest, small skills can make a big difference in the final result.

This year, challenge yourself to learn just one new BBQ skill — and no, it does not have to be complicated. Even something simple can help you appreciate the process and feel more confident behind the grill.

If you’re just getting started, a new skill might look like:

• Learning how to set up your grill or smoker for two zone cooking
• Controlling temperature by adjusting vents, fuel, or lid position
• Cooking by internal temperature instead of cooking by time alone
• Understanding why resting meat matters and when to do it

If you’re a more experienced BBQ cook, consider advanced skills like:

• Pairing specific wood types with different meats for better flavor
• Dialing in cook times and temperatures for individual cuts
• Repeating the same cook with consistent results every time

No matter where you are starting, learning one new skill is an easy way to level up your BBQ game and gain a deeper appreciation for the craft behind great barbecue.

Resolution #5: Designate a Weekly or Monthly “BBQ Day”

Between busy schedules and packed calendars, meals can easily become rushed (and in turn, forgettable). Turning BBQ into a regular tradition gives you something to look forward to and a reason to slow down throughout the year.

Starting a BBQ tradition does not have to be elaborate to be meaningful. It can be as simple as:

• Picking one day each week or month to enjoy BBQ instead of cooking at home
• Turning a regular lunch break into something worth savoring
• Making dinner plans that feel relaxed rather than rushed
• Rotating menu items so each visit feels fresh

Resolution #6: Support more local Knoxville restaurants

Supporting local restaurants is about more than where you eat. It’s about backing the people, kitchens, and small businesses that shape Knoxville’s food scene every single day. When you choose locally-owned spots, you’re helping to keep those doors open, those teams employed, and those traditions alive.

This kind of local support is a big part of why Knoxville has become such a strong city for barbecue lovers. From neighborhood smokehouses to long standing BBQ traditions, the city’s food scene reflects a deep appreciation for good barbecue done right. It is one of the many reasons Knoxville stands out as a destination for BBQ fans.

Knoxville, Which BBQ Resolutions Are You Trying First?

Resolutions tend to stick when they are simple, enjoyable, and rooted in things you already love, and barbecue checks all three boxes! 

Whether you’re trying something new, gathering friends in the backyard, sharpening your cooking skills, or supporting local Knoxville restaurants, these BBQ resolutions fit naturally into everyday life.Want more mouthwatering BBQ content? Keep up with Dead End BBQ on social media or check out our blog for more easy tips like these!