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March 18 - 20, 2025
Las Vegas Convention Center

The NHS Celebrity Chef Cook-Off

March 26 | 12 PM – 2:30 PM 

Proudly sponsored by Cuisinart Outdoors

Hosted by Chuck’s Flavor Train
 

Chefs representing NHS exhibitors will go head-to-head in the Backyard, competing to prepare their best slider and tastiest appetizer for a panel of judges.

The NHS Celebrity Chef Cook-Off, sponsored by Cuisinart Oudoors and hosted by Chuck Matto of ChucksFlavorTrain, is an annual cooking competition taking place in the NHS Backyard during the Show. NHS exhibitors appoint chefs to compete, each tasked with cooking their best slider and appetizer.

When the allotted time is up, each competitor must present their dishes to a panel of judges. The competitors with the highest rated dishes walk away with a cash prize and bragging rights – so the stakes are high!

Don’t miss the 2024 NHS Cook-off, happening on Day 1 of the Show (March 26). Chefs will begin to cook starting at 12 PM in the backyard. Live judging will start at 2 PM. Stop by to see what’s cooking and who will be crowned champion!

Meet the host, Chuck!

2024 Cook-off Participants:

Sponsor:

Host:

Participating Companies and Chefs:

Chef: Steven O’Neill

Chef: Rick Willians

Chef: Chistopher Joe

Chef: Robbie Rensel

Chef: Jamie Bilbow

Chef: Victor Lopez

Meet the Judges:


2023 NHS CELEBRITY CHEF COOK-OFF RECAP

From left to right: Tim Scheer, 1st place winner of the 2023 Cook-Off, and Mitche Graf, BBQ Nation

Each chef presented their sliders and side dishes to the panel of judges who tasted and scored based on Flavor, Creativity, and Presentation. While the competition was tough, only three chefs could walk away victorious and one as the grand prize winner.

Coming in 3rd place and walking away with a $1,000 cash prize was Matt Lott, representing Blackstone.

In 2nd place were the infamous Grill Dads, Ryan Fey and Mark Anderson, representing SharkNinja. They received a $3,000 cash prize.

And finally, the 1st place grand prize was awarded to Tim Scheer, representing BluesHog! Tim also won the award for Best Appetizer, amounting to $6,000 in cash prizes (fun fact: Tim also won 1st place in the 2022 NHS Celebrity Chef Cook-Off!).

If you’re an exhibitor in the grilling space interested in getting involved with the NHS Celebrity Chef Cook-Off, please reach out directly to your sales representative for more info.