Local team takes third in Wings at Memphis in May

For nearly a decade, Baton Rouge teacher John Richardson and his team, Suspicious Rinds, have competed in the annual Memphis in May face-off, putting forward their signature barbecued pork, chicken, seafood, wings and more. This year, Suspicious Rinds returned for the legendary gathering in mid-May and took home third place in hot wings—no easy task among scads of rabid pit masters. The team has fared well in the past, but this year, Richardson recruited his friend and restaurateur Roberto Sandoval of Roberto’s on the River. “All the credit should go to John for going back to Memphis year after year,” says Sandoval. “It feels great to be part of the team.” Sandoval speculates the team fared well because of the mustard-based sauce the members developed to souse the hot wings, but they’re staying tight-lipped on the formula. “We’re already getting ready for next year,” says Sandoval. Look out Memphis—our pigmen cometh.—Maggie Heyn Richardson