The votes are in and Lannie’s Bar-b-que has advanced to the 2nd round of The Alabama BBQ Bracket, Quest for the Best. Beating out Mike & Ed’s BBQ in Auburn with 850 votes, Lannie’s will now compete against Sam’s BBQ in Montgomery or Byron’s Smokehouse in Auburn. 

The contest, sponsored by the Alabama Tourism Department, is broken into four regions, Lannie’s falling in the south.

After hearing the news of Lannie’s success, Earl Travis, Lannie’s owner, said he was overjoyed.

“We’re looking forward to advancing even further,” Travis said with confidence. “I think it’s just great and I’m just thankful for everyone who has voted for us so far.”

Brian Jones with the tourism department and coordinator for Year of Alabama Food said the high volume of votes that have come in for the contest have been “simply outstanding.”

“It’s proven to be extremely popular and so many people in the state have been into it,” Jones said of the contest. “Barbecue is probably second to football in terms of rivalry so it’s just creating a lot of attention and it’s given a lot of great publicity to local barbecue restaurants, which is really what we’re trying to put a spotlight on.”

Fans have been voting for their favorite barbeque by visiting www.facebook.com/alabamafood. Comments have been pouring in praising Lannie’s for their one of a kind taste.

Lynn Campbell said Lannie’s is one of her favorite places to eat in Selma.

“Nobody, and I mean nobody, has the smokin’ touch like they do,” Campbell said. “Delicious sauce, delicious meat and down home southern service.”

Thomas Powe of Tuscaloosa had similar comments to Campbell’s, saying Lannie’s is the best when it comes to barbecue.

“A pulled pork sandwich with a cracklin on it and vinegar based sauce — doesn’t get much better than that,” Powe said.

Travis, who said he believes his barbecue restaurant has made it this far because “it truly is the best,” encouraged everyone to continue to log on to Facebook and vote for Lannie’s.

“I’d like everyone to continue to vote for us and to spread the word about the contest,” Travis said. “Let them know who’s truly best.”