Craving the best BBQ of your life? It’s time to head to Pullman and experience Lexington Betty Smokehouse. Led by one of Chicago’s most exciting pitmasters, Dominique Leach, this spot offers a unique blend of chef-driven barbecue with soulful flavors that pay tribute to her roots.

Dominique Leach is a classically trained chef turned nationally recognized BBQ expert. After honing her skills in some of Chicago’s top kitchens under culinary legends like James Beard Award-winning chef Tony Mantuano and MICHELIN-starred chef Sarah Grueneberg at Spiaggia, Dominique set out to create something of her own. Alongside her wife Tanisha, she launched the catering company Cater to You Events & Drop Offs in 2016.

Inspired by childhood memories of her grandmother, Betty King of Lexington, Mississippi, Dominique infused the comforting aromas of her grandmother’s home-cooked meals into her cooking. These rich traditions, combined with her refined culinary techniques, became the foundation of Lexington Betty Smokehouse—a food truck sensation that evolved into a beloved brick-and-mortar destination on Chicago’s South Side.

Lexington Betty’s BBQ has gained national acclaim, with Dominique earning a spot on Chopped and Food Network Canada’s Fire Masters as both a contestant and judge. Good Morning America even recognized it as the “Best Barbecue in Chicago.” Through hard work and determination, Dominique and Tanisha have made their mark in a male-dominated industry, creating a culinary legacy that honors family and celebrates bold, flavorful barbecue.

At Lexington Betty Smokehouse, every bite is a tribute to tradition, skill, and soul—crafted with the love and expertise that Dominique learned from her grandmother and perfected in Chicago’s finest kitchens.

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