London Rib Fest award winner dedicates trophy to 21-year-old employee who died in fight

Jorge Gonzalez plans to take one of his London Rib Fest trophies to the gravesite of one of his former employees.

“I promised that we will win a trophy for him, and we won,” said Gonzalez, owner of Go Gonzalez BBQ.

Malik Edwards died on April 2, 2024 after getting into a fight on Richmond St. on Mar. 28, 2024.

Edwards worked for Gonzalez as a ribber.

Malik Edwards, a former ribber at Go Gonzalez BBQ, died after a fight in downtown London on March 28, 2024 (Source: Go Gonzalez BBQ)

“This trophy here, it's for Malik, and it belongs to him. We are taking it to his resting place. I said at the awards, ‘In heaven or hell, this trophy is for you my friend’.”

Gonzalez won for best showmanship and claimed second place overall for best ribs.

This comes after winning best sauce in 2023, and best ribs in 2022.

The big winner this year was Fat Boys BBQ.

“It's been a definitely a long time coming, 25 years in the business,” said Ricki Kefalidis of Fat Boys BBQ, who is taking over the family business.

The team of Fat Boys BBQ won ‘Best Ribs’ and ‘People’s Choice’ at 2024 London Ribfest (Source: London Ribfest)

Her father George started Fat Boys BBQ and has had multiple runner-up finishes, but never claimed the prize for Best Ribs.

“That's two decades of trying to perfects the best ribs, and really just sticking to quality and consistency. There is nothing like coming back to your hometown, setting up in the same spot as my dad used to set up, and do the same business.”

Along with best ribs (judges choice) they also won the people’s choice category.

She called her father, who is scaling back his involvement in the business.

“My parents are very invested in the company still, and they still very much love the job, but I you tell them, listen, it's time to go. Let's let the young kids come in here and do it up just like you used to, and really just serve the same consistent, quality product.”

Silver Bullet BBQ from Texas claimed the prize for best sauce.

Gonzalez congratulated Kefalidis for taking home the crown, and he’s proud of his team for their awards.

He remembers Edwards telling him he wanted to win London Rib Fest when they were in Manitoulin Island. Even though his former employee has passed, he’ll remember him every time he stands at the grill.

“He’s a ribber for life,” said Gonzalez.