By: Warren Muhammad
On a perfect Saturday afternoon in Houston’s historic Acres Home neighborhood, the air was thick with the scent of hickory, red oak, and pecan wood smoke. The energy was palpable as the cookers waited with anxious anticipation. Beginning at mid- night on April 18th, each competition team began preparing their brisket and to smoke it overnight to be ready for the judging that would take place just over 12 hours later.
This year’s lineup wasn’t made up of flashy restaurant teams or corporate pit crews, it was a group of hardworking, solo pitmasters who juggled customer Easter orders while still making time to compete. Jason Escobedo’s Smoke BBQ & Catering, Teddy Parish’s The Hungry Hub, Christopher Fontenette’s Str8 Flavour BBQ and Seafood, Glen Paxton’s Kingz Smoke Ringz, and Warren Fitzgerald Muhammad’s Chappie’s Gourmet Links & Cue may have each flown a different banner, but they were united by a shared love for the farmers market and a deep belief in the work the Chamber is doing in Acres Home. These weren’t just competitors, they were community builders with smokers, carving out time to show up for something bigger than brisket.
The Brisket Cookoff Competition, the first of its kind for the Acres Home Chamber for Business and Economic Development, Inc., was more than a contest, it was a homegrown movement. Spearheaded by local volunteer Ace Tejada, and the Chamber team, the event was envisioned as a way to turn up the heat not only on brisket, but on community engagement with the bi-weekly farmers market and economic empowerment.
The pitmasters spent the night and early morning sharing tricks of the trade and by midday the once-empty space behind the Chamber had transformed into a bustling parking lot filled with shoppers and community members anxious to taste the brisket and to cast their vote for the people’s choice winner. Farmers market tents flanked the entrance to the building, adding a vibrant pop of color and community energy. In the small lot, five impressive BBQ smokers stood like monuments to the craft, each one anchored by a different team, some seasoned veterans, others local newcomers, all fueled by pride, tradition, and the unmistakable aroma of smoked brisket.
The brisket cookoff gave the Chamber a way to bring the community together while doing something they already love, smoking brisket and tasting it, to encourage something they’ve long needed: a stronger connection to the local farmers market. It was a clever blend of culture and strategy, using food as the bridge to deeper civic involvement.
“We felt the brisket cookoff would bring people together, but also to start a tradition using something that always brings people together: BBQ,” said Sheba Roy, Acres Home Chamber Farmers Market Manager. “Our mission is to use our farmers market as a community hub, and events like the Brisket Cookoff can help us do just that.”
While the day was lighthearted and community focused, with the Easter Bunny walking around and even taking pictures with the facepainter the competition was stiff, and the judging was serious. Houston food critic and influencer Foodie Herb joined Kevin Gatlin, of the renowned Gatlin’s BBQ at the judges’ table. The brisket was evaluated for smoke, tenderness, flavor, and presentation.
In the end, Smoke BBQ & Catering, led by Jason Escobedo, claimed first place, Jason’s expertise in presentation helped him narrowly edge out Chappie’s Gourmet Links & Que, helmed by Warren Fitzgerald Muhammad, who took second place overall. When asked about the secret to a great brisket, Escobedo shared this “You don’t wanna over season the meat. Salt & Pepper goes a long way, that meat soaks in the salt and if you do it right you’ll get a good bark on it and a nice smoke ring. You’ll hit it every time”.
The Hungry Hub, represented by Teddy, took third place. While each competitor brought their own style of southern BBQ flare to the com- petition it was these three contenders who set themselves apart by paying close attention to the finishing touches.
Chappie’s also clinched the People’s Choice Award, a fan-favorite determined by attendees who couldn’t stop raving about the mouthwatering flavor and just how tender and juicy the brisket was. For Fitzgerald Muhammad, the win came down to patience.
“The key to a perfect brisket is to cook it low and slow,” he shared. “Don’t rush the process. You have to cook it at a moderately low temperature, and it ain’t done until it’s done.”
Former Fox26 personality Malia Carother kept the crowd engaged as the day’s emcee, balancing musical acts, announce- ments, and plenty of good-natured banter. Local vendors offered everything from hand-crafted goods to sweet treats, and the whole space was filled with the kind of warmth only neighborhood pride can create.
The day wrapped with full bellies, new friend- ships, and a fresh sense of tradition, one built on smoke, wood, and the timeless power of food to bring people together. And if Saturday was any indication, this was more than just a cookoff. It was the start of something special for Acres Home.
Visit The Acres Home Chamber Farmers Mar- ket every first and third Saturday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at The Acres Home Chamber for Business and Economic Development, Inc. 6112 Wheatley St., Houston, TX 77091
