Chef Tabb was born and raised in Idabel, OK. He learned his love for the smoker in high school. Chef Tabb decided to make a new start and moved to New Orleans, LA to work under the master himself, Chef Emeril Lagasse. He became Executive Sous Chef at NOLA Restaurant, bringing his Oklahoma roots to meet New Orleans cuisine.

In 2012, Tabb was a contestant on the Food Network’s Chopped, and took home the grand prize after winning the dessert round due to a broken ice cream machine. Tabb eventually moved back home to open his dream smoke shack, Phat Tabb’s BBQ