Tootsie Tomanetz facts for kids

Tootsie Tomanetz is a famous American pitmaster, which means she's an expert at cooking barbecue. She is the main pitmaster at Snow's BBQ, a very popular barbecue restaurant.

Tootsie's Early Life

Tootsie Tomanetz grew up on a farm near Lexington, Texas. She was the oldest of three children in her family. She remembers that her family grew and canned most of their own food. They also made their own clothes at home.

Her Amazing Barbecue Career

Tootsie Tomanetz is the head pitmaster at Snow's BBQ in Lexington, Texas. In 2008, Texas Monthly magazine said Snow's BBQ had the best barbecue in all of Texas! Her special way of cooking barbecue comes from the Texas Hill Country area.

How Tootsie Started Cooking Barbecue

Tootsie began her barbecue journey in 1966. She started cooking at City Meat Market in Giddings, Texas, when they needed extra help. She learned how to cook amazing barbecue from a person named Orange Holloway.

Later, she became the pitmaster at a second City Meat Market in Lexington. She and her husband eventually bought that market. They sold it in 1996 after her husband became ill. After that, Tootsie got a job working in the maintenance department for her local school district.

Working at Snow's BBQ

In 2003, Tootsie started working on Saturdays at Snow's BBQ. Even today, in 2024, she is still the pitmaster there! She was even featured on a TV show called Chef's Table: BBQ in 2020. This show highlights amazing chefs from around the world.

Awards and Recognition

Tootsie Tomanetz has received many honors for her barbecue skills.

Barbecue Hall of Fame

In 2018, Tootsie was added to the Barbecue Hall of Fame. This is a very special award that recognizes people who have made a big difference in the world of barbecue.

James Beard Award Semifinalist

In the same year, 2018, she was also a semifinalist for the James Beard Award. This award is like the "Oscars" for chefs in America. She was nominated for "Best Chef: Southwest."

Tootsie's Personal Life

Tootsie Tomanetz married Edward Tomanetz in July 1956. He worked as a butcher at City Meat Market in Giddings, Texas. They had three children together. Tootsie lives in Giddings and still works for the local school district's maintenance department as of 2024. She is also a member of the Lutheran church.