This Isn’t Just a Cook-Off — This Is Food Sport in Texas

If you’ve ever watched a cook-off that feels more like a football game, you’ve experienced the energy of Food Sport.

It’s where chefs, home cooks, and pitmasters step into the arena—armed with knives, recipes, and a whole lot of pride—to prove who can create something unforgettable.

But for me, this is more than competition.

This is personal.

How the Texas Food Championship Was Born

The idea for the Texas Food Championship didn’t come from a boardroom—it came from a lifetime of experiences.

I’m Matthew Lawson. Before this, I’ve lived in a lot of worlds.

I’ve worked for Dave Ramsey in Tennessee, where I first understood discipline, structure, and building something that matters. But somewhere along the way, I realized my passion wasn’t numbers—it was food, people, and experience. That realization changed everything.

I stepped into the culinary world and never looked back.

From Walt Disney World, to serving Forbes Top 25 families as a private chef, to the historic Mayo Hotel in Tulsa, to being part of the Houston Astros organization—I’ve had the opportunity to see what excellence looks like at the highest level.

Then came Port Aransas, Texas—and my introduction to the World Food Championships.

That’s where everything clicked.

I saw the power of Food Sport. I saw the energy, the passion, the competition—and I also saw the opportunity.

Texas didn’t have its own stage.

Why This Matters

Over the years, I’ve built and sold businesses. I’ve sat at tables making deals. I’ve traveled and experienced incredible food across the country.

And what I realized is this:

It doesn’t matter if you’re a chef, a foodie, a business owner, or someone who once scribbled a business idea on a cocktail napkin with your friends…

We all share the same thing.

Food brings us together.

It’s the backyard BBQ.

It’s the late-night conversations.

It’s the handshake that turns into a partnership.

It’s the memories made around a table.

That’s community.

And I believe, as a state, we can—and should—do more to support it.

The Vision Comes to Life

The Texas Food Championship was built to be that stage.

A place where chefs, pitmasters, bakers, and creators from across Texas can step into the spotlight. A place where talent is recognized, where businesses are elevated, and where people come together to celebrate what makes Texas special.

At the same time, we launched Texas Table of Hope—the nonprofit behind it all.

Because this isn’t just about putting on an event.

It’s about creating opportunities.

It’s about giving back.

It’s about building something that lasts beyond one weekend.

More Than an Event — It’s a Gathering

Through Texas Table of Hope, our fellowship is the State of Texas.

And our backyard BBQ—the one everyone is invited to—is right here in Corpus Christi, Texas.

This is where we come together to celebrate:

• Our chefs

• Our bakers

• Our food trucks

• Our small businesses

• And the people who make it all matter

This is where the best in Texas show up—not just to compete, but to connect.

The Competition — And the Bigger Picture

Yes, this is Food Sport at a high level.

Competitors are judged using the E.A.T.™ Method—Execution, Appearance, and Taste—the same system used at the World Food Championships.

And yes, winners earn their way to the world stage.

But what matters most is what’s happening beyond the plate.

We’re building something bigger than a competition.

We’re building a platform.

Be Part of It

Whether you’re a competitor, a foodie, a business owner, or someone who just loves being around great people and great food—this was built for you.

This is your invitation.

To show up.

To be part of it.

To help build something that represents the best of Texas.

Because at the end of the day, this isn’t just about food.

It’s about people.

And Texas has always done things bigger.

Now, we’re doing something that matters.