First of all I am amazed at all of the Little Rock folks on this board. Just stumbled onto this thread, and I could write a book on BBQ and have had it all over the country. Hate to say it, but when you consider Kansas City, Memphis, Dallas, and really anywhere else, I have yet to find a town with BBQ that can touch Little Rock. I loved Toms, and knew the story intimately. He was given an offer he couldn't refuse for the land and had to take it. If you ever come to Little Rock, I certainly recommend the Whole Hog, and Sim's (but only on Arch Street with the bullet holes in the door). I would also say don't forget the Dixie Pig in Levy. For the festival it is Memphis in May (but it is harder to get into the BBQ contest than it once was). And, yes, HB's is the spiritual successor to the Shack.