Who Will Be Crowned the Master of Meats?
We’ve heard your brags. We’ve heard your boisterous comments about your carnivorous culinary skills. And now, we’re putting your meats where our mouths are, to find out who will become champion! Who has what it takes to reign supreme during the second annual NWIBRT Smoke-Off/Cook Off?
During this special event, competitors will get to show off their grill or meat smoking mastery. We’ll be under the pavilion, out of the sun or rain, at the beautiful Bulldog Park in Crown Point.
Only the best of the best will take home the grand prize! A trophy that will instill envy in all who gaze upon it! The winner will get to keep this sacred chalice for the entire year and show all their colleagues who’s the king of outdoor cuisine. We’re talking eternal glory here, seared forever.
Think you have what it takes to be a champion? Sign up as a competitor for your shot at the title!
Cooking spots are limited, so secure yours today!
Event Details:
July 22nd, 2025
Bulldog Park Crown Point
Entry Information: $300.00
- Includes 2 Admission Tickets
- Two 8’ Tables to Prep and Serve
- Tasting Cups, Forks and Napkins Provided
- Must Bring Your Own Smoker/Cooking appliance
- Competitors must bring their own meat – enough to accommodate 1 oz. per attendee
- Limited Registrations Available
Smoke-Off, Cook-Off Competition Guide
Everything You Need to Know to Grill, Chill & Win Big!
2025 Competitors |
| Calumet Lumber |
| Central Midwest Regional Council of Carpenters |
| Gatwood Crane |
| Advanced Engineering Services |
| Erosion Construction Services |
| Michuda Construction |
| Morrison Construction Co. |
| American Testing Services |
| Matador |
| Valley Fire Protection |
| Stevenson Crane, Rigging and Heavy Haul |
| Select Safety Services |
Judging Criteria
Each entry will be evaluated on:
- Flavor
- Tenderness & Texture
- Overall Impression
Two Ways to Win
1. Judges’ Choice Awards – WILL JUDGE MEAT ONLY
A select panel of expert judges will evaluate meat-based entries using strict culinary criteria. Sides are not judged in this category.
- 1st Place- Grand Prize Winner: Receives the 3-ft Traveling Trophy (returned annually) and an individual award
- Top 3 Overall Win an Award (Meat Only) -NEW THIS YEAR
2. People’s Choice Awards – MEAT & SIDES- NEW THIS YEAR
Attendees vote for their favorites using QR codes. Both meat and side dishes can win in this category.
- Top 3 People’s Choice – Meat
- Top 3 People’s Choice – Sides
- Separate QR codes will be used for each category
All Head Grill Masters
- Receive a custom medallion to honor your participation and culinary skills
Important Note on Side Dishes
NWIBRT will not be providing any side dishes this year.
However, competitors are welcome to bring their own sides to enhance their offerings and increase their chances to win in the People’s Choice voting.
New this year is the ability to win a Award for best sides.
Serving & Voting Timeline
- Serving Time: 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM
- Voting Closes: 3:30 PM
- Winners Announced: 4:00 PM
Serving Details:
- Each team serves 1 oz. tasting samples of their dish(es)
- Attendees receive 12 red food tickets (numbered #1–#12)
- Each ticket must be redeemed at its matching Grill Master station
- Voting is done by scanning a QR code and rating each dish from 1 to 5
- Attendees also select one Overall Best Grill Master
Menu Access- NEW THIS YEAR
Guests can scan a QR code at the event to view:
- Full list of competitors
- Dish names and descriptions
Who Can Be a Grill Master?
Your Grill Master is the one who’s not afraid to throw down over hot coals and prove your company’s got the best BBQ in the game. They’re the meat master, the flame tamer, and the reason your team’s going home with bragging rights and the big a** trophy (yeah, we said it… kinda).
Grill Master Rules – Read ‘Em & Bring the Heat
We’re keeping this a level playing field—no shortcuts, no pros, just real folks putting their skills to the test.
Grill Master Must Be One of Yours
- Grill Masters must be employees or directly affiliated with your company.
- That means no cousins from out of state, no hired help—just your crew.
- Bring a team if you want, but everyone should be from your company.
No Pros Allowed
- No professional chefs, caterers, or hired guns.
One Team Per Company
- Pick your best. One Grill Master per company and sidekicks.
- It’s your shot to earn serious bragging rights and take home the big traveling trophy (and an individual one to keep).
Compete Like You Mean It
- This isn’t just a cookout—it’s a showdown.
- You’re not just grilling meat. You’re repping your company name, your pride, and your taste buds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What time should I arrive?
- Competitors may begin setting up and cooking as early as 8:00 AM.
How much food should I prepare?
- Plan for approx. 300-350 guests.
- Each attendee will receive a 1 oz. sample to taste and vote on.
- Attendees will also judge on side items
Can I prep my food ahead of time?
- Yes! You may:
- Bring food already cooked and warm it at the event
- OR cook onsite starting at 8:00 AM
What equipment is allowed?
- Grills and smokers are welcome!
- Required: You must place a protective covering underneath to catch grease/spills.
What will NWIBRT provide?
- Two 6-ft tables per team (one for prep, one for serving)
- Tasting cups, forks, and napkins
- Two chafing pans with 2 sternos for hot food
What should I bring?
- Any condiments or sides (e.g., pickles, sauces)
- Any prep tools (knives, cutting boards, gloves, etc.)
- Ice/coolers if serving a cold item
How is food temperature monitored?
- Hot items must be served at 140°F or above
- Cold items must be kept at 40°F or below
- A designated food safety monitor will be checking temps throughout the event
Last year’s winners.
Tickets:
Member Tickets: $40
Non-Member Tickets: $75
Tickets include:
- Includes admission ticket
- Tasting and Judging of all Contestants
- 1 Drink Ticket
