Regional Butchers Compete for $25,000 in National Meat Cutting Challenge in Burlington
Seventeen butchers from across the region will gather in Burlington, Kentucky, this Tuesday to kick off the first round of the National Meat Cutting Challenge, with a chance to win $25,000.
Hosted by Texas Roadhouse, the event showcases the precision and skill of professional meat cutters, with 11 participants vying to advance in this high-stakes, beef-cutting contest.
The Art and Science of Meat Cutting
Each contestant is provided with 20-30 pounds of premium beef, including sirloin, filet, and ribeye cuts. They’ll be judged on both quality and yield—how many high-quality steaks they can produce within the time limit.
To ensure top-notch freshness and precision, all cutting takes place at a cool 38 degrees. The goal? Maximum steaks with perfect quality.
Texas Roadhouse’s Sr. Product Coach Mike Jones expressed pride in the competitors’ skills, noting, “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.”
Who’s Competing?
The roster includes skilled meat cutters from various Texas Roadhouse locations across Ohio and Indiana:
- Fairborn, OH: Jesus Mahe, Fermin Cruz
- Columbus, IN: Emanuel Fernandez, Antonio Pedroza, Alexis Armendriz
- Huber Heights, OH: Scott Henning, Sean Mattern
- Richmond, IN: Adam Wyne, Antonio Cruz
- Greenwood, IN: Raul Morales, Alex Torez
- Clarksville, IN: Amancio Flores, Andy Friberger
- Southport, IN: Noah Carroll
- Troy, OH: Angel Mahe, Leo Chigo Seba
- West Chester, OH: Alyx Essenmacher
These butchers are responsible for hand-cutting every steak served at their local Texas Roadhouse locations, spending an average of seven to eight hours a day perfecting their craft in a 35-degree cooler. In a year, each of these meat cutters handles roughly $1 million worth of meat.
A Path to the National Stage
The top-scoring cutters from Tuesday’s round will advance to the semi-finals in January, with hopes of making it to the 2025 national competition in March.
The ultimate winner will earn the title of Meat Cutter of the Year and a grand prize of $25,000. Part of Texas Roadhouse’s “Meat Hero” program, this competition celebrates the dedication of those ensuring every steak is “cut to perfection.”
Spectators and participants alike will witness the mastery of a trade that combines artistry and technical skill, with each steak cut to meet the high standards Texas Roadhouse customers expect.
Want to learn about the craft of professional meat cutting and the skills behind perfect steaks? Visit our homepage for more insights.
