San Antonio, TX, July 30, 2025
News Summary
San Antonio’s Steve Grams showcases his culinary skills in a competitive family cook-off on Food Network’s ‘Family Recipe Showdown.’ He competes with cousins for a $10,000 prize under the guidance of host Octavia Spencer. The episode featured tailgate dishes and airs on July 31, with Danielle Brooks as a guest judge, highlighting multi-generational home cooking traditions.
San Antonio Hosts BBQ Competition Showdown on National TV
Steve Grams, a native of San Antonio, is set to showcase his culinary talents and family traditions as he competes in a family cook-off on Food Network’s “Family Recipe Showdown.” The competition offers a grand prize of $10,000 and features Grams alongside his cousin, Ken Taylor from San Angelo.
The show is hosted by Academy Award-winner Octavia Spencer and renowned New Orleans chef Edgar “Dook” Chase. It celebrates multi-generational home cooking and highlights beloved family recipes passed down through generations. In each episode, three teams of family duos take on challenges inspired by celebrity guest judges.
Grams will appear in Season 1, Episode 6, titled “Team Tailgate.” This particular episode zooms in on tailgate dishes, where the contestants whip up their best offerings that are sure to impress the audience and judges alike. The celebrity judge for this episode will be Danielle Brooks, well-known for her roles in “Orange is the New Black” and “The Color Purple.” The episode is scheduled to air on Thursday, July 31, at 8 p.m. CST on The Food Network.
Background on Steve Grams
Steve Grams is not a newcomer to the culinary scene. He is a graduate of Texas A&M University and Robert E. Lee High School. Currently employed at M&S Engineering in Spring Branch, Grams is also a recognized figure in the Texas BBQ community, particularly noted for his exceptional smoked brisket.
Besides his professional life, Grams actively participates in BBQ competitions and previously served as the chairman for the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Bar-B-Que Cook-Off. His deep commitment to community service is evident in his volunteer work for the rodeo’s Wine Committee, where he crafts dishes that pair with championship-winning wines.
Grams expressed immense excitement about his opportunity on the show, considering it a “once-in-a-lifetime” chance to showcase his cooking skills and share the rich culinary traditions of Texas. He looks forward to displaying his family’s favorite recipes while bringing joy to viewers through the flavors of Texas cuisine.
Competitors and Audience Engagement
The competition invites viewers to not only tune in but also connect with the heartfelt stories behind the dishes being prepared. Families participating in the show come with stories that resonate with the audience, fostering a sense of familiarity and warmth that a typical competitive cooking show might not convey.
As the episode draws closer, anticipation builds among viewers, BBQ enthusiasts, and the local community, all eager to support Grams in this culinary journey. The show promises a blend of excitement, delicious food, and cherished family moments, making it a must-watch for fans of cooking competitions.
Key Details of the Episode
- Episode Title: Team Tailgate
- Airing Date: July 31
- Airing Time: 8 p.m. CST
- Host: Octavia Spencer
- Guest Judge: Danielle Brooks
- Contestants: Steve Grams and Ken Taylor
- Prize: $10,000
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Additional Resources
- KENS5: San Antonio Hosts BBQ Competition Showdown on National TV
- Wikipedia: BBQ
- KSAT: Upcoming San Antonio BBQ Cook-Off
- Google Search: San Antonio BBQ Competition
- News 4 San Antonio: San Antonio Rodeo Bar-B-Que Cook-Off 2025
- Google Scholar: BBQ competitions
- Spectrum Local News: Texas Barbecue Yelp Ranking
- Encyclopedia Britannica: BBQ
- KSAT: Holy Cross Junior High and High School BBQ Students Headed to National Competition
- Google News: BBQ competitions in Texas

Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.


