Paula Deen's connection to Masterbuilt

Over the years, John and Don McLemore of Masterbuilt, have become friends with Food Network star Paula Deen.

Founded in 1973 by Dawson McLemore, Masterbuilt in recent years has released several products that have become instant hits in the grilling industry. The McLemore brothers and the Masterbuilt team have invented the first electric turkey fryer and the first electric digital smoker.

One of their fans is Deen, who uses both products.

At a recent trade show, John told me that Paula saw him from across the room and hollered at him that she's mad.

"I use that phrase all the time and you trademarked it," she said.

The phrase is "that's dadgum good."

"We have a great relationship with her," he said.

John said last December, he and his family drove over to Savannah to an open house at Paula's new house.

"She and her husband, Michael, have a new home," John said. "We spent the night with her at her new house. We really had a great time with Paula and Michael."

When I asked if we'll see him and Don doing a cooking show, he said they're in the midst of negotiating something right now.

"It might not be on the Food Network, but we are working on a television show that has possibilities," he told me.

Wouldn't it be great to see local guys doing a weekly show, especially two guys like Don and John?

This story was originally published May 19, 2011 at 10:50 PM with the headline "Paula Deen's connection to Masterbuilt."