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Orlando restaurants to hold fundraiser for family of late Git-N-Messy BBQ chef

By FOX 35 News Staff
Updated  May 11, 2021 12:49pm EDT
Orlando
FOX 35 Orlando

David Does It: Git-N-Messy BBQ

A local establishment is serving up some really tasty BBQ -- and you're going to get messy! FOX 35's David Martin takes us inside Git-N-Messy BBQ.

ORLANDO, Fla. - Several eateries around Central Florida are joining forces this week to raise money for the family of a beloved barbeque chef who was unexpectedly killed in an accident.

Chuck Cobb was one of the founders of Git-N-Messy Smokehouse & Tavern. He tragically died in a motorcycle accident last month, leaving behind his wife and four children.

On Wednesday, May 12, over 15 local restaurants will participate in "BBQ Around Orlando." Each restaurant will feature a special dish and/or drink with proceeds going directly to Cobb's wife and kids. 

According to the Orlando Sentinel, participating restaurants so far include: 

  • Hunger Street Tacos
  • MX Taco
  • Swine & Sons
  • Taglish
  • Perla’s Pizza
  • Pom Pom’s Teahouse & Sandwicheria
  • Smoke & Donuts
  • Neon Beach
  • Kai — Asian Street Fare
  • Ivanhoe Park Brewing Company
  • Tornatore’s Ristorante and Italian Market
  • Tapa Toro
  • Taverna Opa Orlando
  • Red-Eye’s Git N Messy Smokehouse & Tavern
  • Lombardi’s Seafood
  • Stefano’s Trattoria
  • Mason Jar Provisions

Fans of Cobb have been paying tribute to the chef, saying he had a larger-than-life personality that would be greatly missed.

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"He made the best damn barbecue I've ever eaten in Florida," said Louis Rosen. "He was kind of a genius -- so creative with recipes, and so generous too. He always asked how my wife was feeling, always remembered our orders. Big, boisterous personality. Full of life. I know I'll never forget him."

Cobb appeared on Good Day Orlando with FOX 35's David Martin several times who says Cobb "was a special treat every time."

Part of Git-N-Messy's appeal was that it started out in a Citgo gas station at the corner of Aloma Ave. and Hall Road. The food was so sought after, they would often sell out several hours before closing time. The BBQ business is now located inside Red-Eye Sports Tavern in Winter Springs.

Cobb died from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident at the intersection of State Road 434 and Hayes Road in Winter Springs. He was 34-years-old. 

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the family with funeral costs.

"If you had the pleasure of knowing him, you loved him. His amazing award-winning BBQ, goofiness, and contagious smile. Any amount helps," the fundraiser reads. 

You can donate HERE.