This Saturday at noon, Jimmy Bears Barbecue in St. Cloud is the place to be for all bacon enthusiasts. Eric Godfrey, known as the Bacon King, will be leading a workshop on how to cure and smoke your very own gourmet bacon. Participants will each receive a five-pound slab of pork belly, along with all necessary curing agents, spices, and personalized instruction to create their unique flavor profile.

Godfrey’s journey to becoming the Bacon King is as unique as his bacon. With a career that spans stand-up comedy, tour management, and education, Godfrey has now settled into the world of bespoke bacon. His resume includes working with the prop comedian Carrot Top, where he eventually became the tour manager. Following years on the road, Godfrey moved to St. Cloud, Florida, where he shifted gears into education, becoming the dean of students at St. Cloud High School.

Bacon King
Bacon King
Bacon King

Despite his successful career in education, Godfrey couldn’t shake his entrepreneurial spirit. One night, inspiration struck, and the idea for Bacon King USA was born. After experimenting with a recipe for pork belly burnt ends, Godfrey delved into the art of making bacon, which quickly became a hit among friends and colleagues. Realizing the endless possibilities of bacon flavors, he started making and selling his own bacon online and through farmer’s markets in Central Florida.

The ease and enjoyment of the bacon-making process gave Godfrey a second idea: Why not create a social experience around it? Inspired by paint-and-sip classes his wife attended, Godfrey launched the Bacon King experience. Held at Jimmy Bear’s BBQ, the workshop offers participants a hands-on lesson in bacon curing, complete with a history of the practice and plenty of room for creativity.

This Saturday’s class promises to be an engaging and flavorful event. Participants will leave with their own cured bacon to finish at home, and a wealth of knowledge from the Bacon King himself.