Mark Lowry Savors Smoky Mountain BBQ Chicken Livers

Mark Lowry, the Grammy-nominated Christian singer and comedian best known for co-writing “Mary, Did You Know?” and performing with the Gaither Vocal Band, recently gave fans a glimpse of his pre-show ritual. On his way to Gaither’s Family Fest in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Lowry made his annual pit stop at Tony Gore’s Smoky Mountain BBQ & Grill—and could not resist ordering the chicken livers. His Instagram caption raved, “On our way to Gaither’s Family Fest in Gatlinburg we always stop at Tony Gore’s Smoky Mountain BBQ & Grill and I get chicken livers. Five Stars!”

Southern Pit Stop Before The Fest

For decades, Mark Lowry has been a mainstay of southern gospel tours, and Gatlinburg’s foothills have become a natural backdrop for his off-stage traditions. Tony Gore’s sits at 1818 Winfield Dunn Parkway in Sevierville, just a few miles from the Family Fest venue. Fans following his travels know that no road trip to this annual event is complete without smoky ribs, pulled pork—and, in Lowry’s case, golden-fried chicken livers.

Chicken Livers Take Center Stage

The church community and gospel music fans often debate the best barbecue joints in East Tennessee, but Tony Gore’s has built a reputation on its homestyle sides and house-made sauces. Lowry’s choice of chicken livers may surprise newcomers, but the crispy, well-seasoned bites are a local favorite. In his post, he tagged the restaurant’s website (tonygore.com) and even shared their contact info: (865) 429-7771.

A Tradition Tied To Family Fest

Gaither’s Family Fest, founded by Bill and Gloria Gaither in the mid-1990s, brings thousands of gospel music enthusiasts to Gatlinburg each summer. Since joining the Gaither Vocal Band in 2001, Mark Lowry has appeared at dozens of these events, balancing his stand-up comedy routines with heartfelt musical numbers. His annual pilgrimage to Tony Gore’s is now as much a fan talking point as his “Mary, Did You Know?” ballad.

Mark Lowry’s Own Tour And Outreach

Beyond the Family Fest stage, Lowry is hitting the road with his Mark Lowry & Friends tour this month. In an Instagram announcement, he invited followers to catch his live shows featuring gospel favorites, storytelling, and humor. That post underscored his dual role as entertainer and ministry partner—connecting on stage and off through both music and genuine southern hospitality.

Though a barbecue stop may seem ordinary, Lowry’s social-media updates remind fans that the simple joys—like crispy chicken livers eaten with family and friends—underscore the communal spirit of gospel gatherings. Whether he’s performing in packed concert halls or waving to passersby by Sevierville’s well-worn barbecue pit, Lowry remains rooted in the traditions that shaped his career and warmed so many hearts.

With every Instagram share, he offers more than a food recommendation; he invites followers into his world—one where faith, music, and regional flavor come together in perfect harmony. As Family Fest approaches, you can almost taste the smoke in the air—and hear Lowry’s laughter over the hum of summer crowds.

Reporter

Reshmi Das

 

Reshmi Das has over four years of experience as a content writer, covering parenting and films. She writes for Hollywoodjunction and Momjunction. Her interest in journaling and writing made this biotechnology postgraduate to take up content as her full-time profession.

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