1. The top rib restaurants will first be determined by the number of valid nominations received and second, by the willingness of the rib restaurant to participate.

2. The nomination process will open Wednesday, September 18, 2013 at 3 p.m. and close Wednesday, October 2, 2013 at 3 p.m. Our finalists will be determined at that time and will be contacted by WPXI.

3. A taste test will take place at the Channel 11 studios during the week of October 14. Each finalist must deliver a sample of ribs to be judged in the taste test. If a restaurant does not show up for the taste test they will be disqualified.

4. Voting will open to the public Wednesday, October 16 at 3 p.m. on WPXI.com and close Tuesday, October 29 at 3 p.m. Each user will be allowed five votes per hour. Voting results will remain hidden.

5. The winners will be revealed during the week of November 11. Award plaques will be given to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners as determined by the public vote. Award certificates will be given to the remaining finalists.