We’re proud to welcome Frances Cannon-Wooley, better known as Mama Fran, owner of Wrigley BBQ & Grill / BBQ by Mama Fran in Long Beach, CA, to the 3rd Annual Long Beach BBQ Festival! Mama Fran’s love for BBQ started young—watching her mom grill under a shade tree on a half-barrel oil can, crafted by her Uncle John. As a teen, she started BBQing on her own, driven by her family’s tradition of celebrating life, culture, and heritage through food. In the late ’90s and early 2000s, she worked in Chicago and learned from pitmasters at Leon’s on Halsted and Lims BBQ—a James Beard Award-winning institution. She then launched BBQ stands in Hammond, Michigan City, St. John, and Evergreen Park, earning her the title “Master of BBQ Ribs.” Her name became a staple across county fairs and festivals throughout the Midwest. Mama Fran brings true Southern-style BBQ to SoCal—low & slow smoked meats using hardwoods like apple, pecan, and almond, plus sides like mac & cheese, baked beans, and coleslaw. Her BBQ honors tradition while elevating flavor, and her mission is simple: to share the soul of Southern BBQ with the West Coast. Welcome, Mama Fran—we’re honored to have you on the pit!