Midwest Meat Cutters Set to Compete on Ice for Top Honors in Kansas City

Dozens of professional meat cutters from across the Midwest are gearing up to showcase their skills as they compete in Kansas City for the prestigious title of the best steak cutter.

Set to take place on October 15, this unique competition will feature 36 top-notch butchers slicing into 20-30 pounds of beef, including sirloin, filet, and ribeye steaks, in a timed event to test precision and yield.

The competition is part of Texas Roadhouse’s Qualifier Meat Cutting Challenge, with the contestants judged on the quality and quantity of their cuts.

The ultimate winner will earn a spot in the semi-finals, with the goal of advancing to the national finals, where the Meat Cutter of the Year will take home a $25,000 grand prize.

No Skates Needed for This Ice Showdown

Despite the chilly conditions, participants won’t need skates. The event will be held at the Line Creek Community Center and Ice Arena in Kansas City, where the meat will be cut at a brisk 38 degrees to ensure freshness and quality.

John Head, Texas Roadhouse Product Coach, shared his excitement about the competition: “Our national meat-cutting challenge celebrates the extraordinary skill and precision of our local meat cutters – it’s a tribute to a unique profession that blends artistry with expertise.”

A Tribute to Meat Cutting Heroes

Texas Roadhouse honors the skill and dedication of these meat cutters through its “Meat Hero” program.

These individuals are responsible for hand-cutting every steak served in the restaurant chain’s locations, spending up to eight hours a day in a 35-degree cooler, handling about $1 million worth of meat annually.

Among the competitors are local stars like Lorenzo Hernandez of Wichita, John Wesley of Belton, and Rene Luna of Overland Park, all vying for the chance to move forward to the national finals in 2025.

With names like Guillermo Portilla of St. Joseph and Moises Arteaga of Blue Springs, the competition promises to be fierce.

A Unique Profession with High Stakes

While many may not think of meat cutting as a profession that garners this level of attention, the artistry behind the perfect steak cut makes these butchers some of the most important figures in the restaurant industry.

This competition not only celebrates their daily efforts but also highlights the precision and attention to detail required to produce the best cuts of meat.

As the competition heats up on ice, the meat cutters will show why their skills are in such high demand at Texas Roadhouse and beyond.

The national finals in 2025 promise to be the culmination of this year’s hard work and dedication, crowning one lucky butcher as the ultimate Meat Cutter of the Year.

For more stories on the skill and dedication behind your favorite cuts, check out our homepage for news, insights, and more meat-related content.