SC chef makes top 5 on Food Network’s ‘BBQ Brawl.’ Here’s when to watch final episodes
The grills are hot and the competition is getting even hotter.
The Lowcountry’s own Orchid Paulmeier is holding her own on the national stage as she advances to the final rounds on the latest season of ”BBQ Brawl” on Food Network.
Known affectionately as “Mama Orchid,” the One Hot Mama’s chef and restaurateur is turning up the heat and proven she’s got what it takes to go toe-to-toe with some of the country’s top pitmasters.
With only five contestants remaining, after this coming Sunday’s episode, the competition will be narrowed to the final three, with the one remaining contestant becoming the next Master of ‘Cue.
From Hilton Head to Star Hill Ranch
Throughout the season, which launched on June 1, Paulmeier has brought her signature Lowcountry flavors to the high-stakes grills of Austin, Texas.
Set against the rugged backdrop of Star Hill Ranch in Austin, Texas, “BBQ Brawl” pits 12 of the nation’s best barbecue chefs against each other in a high-heat showdown.
Split into three teams and mentored by celebrity chefs Bobby Flay, Maneet Chauhan and Antonia Lofaso, each contestant must impress judges with their smoking, grilling and saucing skills.
For Paulmeier, being selected for Team Flay wasn’t just a thrill; it was the kind of career moment that leaves a lasting mark.
“To have Bobby Flay as my team captain, it was life-changing,” Paulmeier said. “He gave such thoughtful advice, and just being around him, Antonia and Maneet felt like getting a master class every day.”
A return to the spotlight
It’s been over a decade since Paulmeier first appeared on Food Network, and she’s no stranger to competitive cooking, having previously competed in “The Next Food Network Star” and “The Great Food Truck Race.”
But “BBQ Brawl” felt different.
“I had been waiting for the right show,” said Paulmeier. “Once I watched Season 1 of ‘BBQ Brawl,’ I just knew that this was the one. The timing was right, and the format was perfect. It felt like now or never.”
That “perfect timing” included a life shift, too; her youngest child had just graduated, and Paulmeier found herself ready for a new chapter.
With her Bluffton and Hilton Head restaurant locations thriving, the show offered a way to bring new attention to her brand and breathe new life into her business, offering more than a winning title.
“It was about giving One Hot Mama’s a boost, giving my team something to rally around and showing people that after 22 years, we’re still evolving,” she said. “More than anything, it’s such a great honor to be on a show like this.”
The audition process
Getting on “BBQ Brawl” wasn’t easy.
Paulmeier began the audition process in November, going through multiple interviews and applications before finally getting the call in February.
“It’s not just a simple sign-up. They want to know your story, your style, what drives you,” she said. “By the time I was selected, I felt proud just to get on the show. That alone was a huge win.”
Filming lasted through February and March, and Paulmeier says the experience was as intense as it was inspiring, giving her the flexibility to cook and compete all day while balancing her family life and restaurant business at home.
But the competition itself is one of her favorite memories from the show.
“The chefs I competed with were incredible, you’ve got James Beard nominees, Iron Chef winners and BBQ world champions,” she says. “Instead of feeling intimidated, it pushed me to level up.”
Community, competition & Mama’s watch parties
Back home, the excitement is palpable. Since the premiere, local fans have been turning up at One Hot Mama’s in Bluffton and Hilton Head for weekly watch parties.
Paulmeier alternates locations to make sure both communities can join in the fun.
“We’ve even had tourists say they came in just because they saw the episode. It’s been great for business and for the team that’s been with me for over a decade,” she said.
What’s ahead
While Paulmeier is tight-lipped about how far she goes in the competition, she hints at big things to come.
“The food we made was next level,” she said. “The entire show is fun to watch, it’s very competitive and the food that we’re putting out is fantastic.”
Paulmeier has also been active online, sharing some insider tips on the recipes created while on the show.
Where to watch
“BBQ Brawl: Flay v. Chauhan v. Lofaso” first premiered on Sunday, June 1 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Food Network.
The show airs weekly on Sunday, with episodes also available for streaming on Max the following Monday.
Viewers can also watch from the Food Network’s website and app for cable subscribers.
