Something besides the beer is brewing in Marana.
Button Brew House has gathered a group of local competitors for its first ever Rib Cook-Off from noon – 10 p.m. on Saturday, December 8.
Being that it’s a first of its kind for the brewery, a big majority of the parking lot — if not all — is being taken over for the competition. There will be a good deal of samples to go around but if you’re looking for more, the food truck Smokin’ BBQ will be on site as well.
Each of the competitors’ dishes will be judged by master brewer Todd Button of Button Brew House, the “Grills Gone Wild” champion Sean Denlinger, and regional manager Grey LaPoint of BrushFire BBQ.
Tickets are $15 per person and can be purchased at Button Brew House or online. Each ticket includes one pint, a vote of your favorite ribs, and samples.
Rib-Off Competitors
- Eddie Alness (Assistant Brewer at BlackRock Brewers)
- Jason Flax
- Hector Martinez (Old Pueblo Brew Tours)
- Mark Molina
- Chris Newman
- Lee Suzuki
Live music will be delivered by Nathan Smerage at 6 p.m.
Button Brew House is located at 6800 N. Camino Martin Ste. 160, Marana, Arizona. For more information, call (520) 268-8543 or visit Button Brew House’s Facebook event page.
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Article written by:

Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.















