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Statesboro Texas Roadhouse butcher Julian Carrasco to compete on ice in $25,000 meat-cutting challenge

Cumming, GA, will host the exciting first round of the Qualifier Meat Cutting Challenge on October 16, where 24 skilled meat-cutters from Georgia Texas Roadhouse restaurants, including Statesboro native Julian Carrasco, will showcase their precision and artistry in a unique competition on the ice, vying for a chance to advance to the national championship.
julian-carrasco-statesboro-ga
Julian Carrasco of Texas Roadhouse in Statesboro, Ga.

When area butchers hit the ice rink in Cumming this week, they won’t need skates or hockey sticks to score. To prove they’re a cut above the competition, 24 professional meat-cutters from across the region, including Statesboro native Julian Carrasco, will compete on the ice in the first round of the Qualifier Meat Cutting Challenge. 

The challenge is set for Wednesday, October 16, beginning at 11:00 am at The Ice (1345 Atlanta Hwy., Cumming, GA 30040).

Each participant receives 20-30 pounds of beef, consisting of one sirloin, one filet and one ribeye to cut. Meat cutters are judged on quality and yield in this timed cut-off. The winner is the cutter who yields the most steaks with the highest quality. To assure the best, freshest quality meat, all cutting is done at a chilly 38 degrees.   

In January, top scoring challengers in the region will advance to the semi-finals where they’ll compete for the opportunity to participate in the 2025 national competition. The final competition will be held in March. The winner of the national competition receives a grand prize of $25,000 and is crowned Meat Cutter of the Year.  

“Our national meat-cutting challenge celebrates the extraordinary skill and precision of our local meat-cutters –it’s a tribute to a unique profession that blends artistry with expertise,” says George Lawrence, Texas Roadhouse Product Coach. “We’re proud to recognize our meat cutters’ dedication to ensuring every steak is cut to perfection."    

Participating Meat-Cutters

  1. Athens, GA              Brier Alewine
  2. Athens, GA              Evan Dewey
  3. Augusta, GA            Marques Russell
  4. Augusta, GA           Josh Brown
  5. Buford, GA               Aydee Ramirez
  6. Buford, GA              Edgar Sanchez
  7. Cartersville, GA        Javier Guerrero
  8. Cartersville, GA       Ricky Broussard
  9. Cumming, GA          Jake Roberts
  10. Cumming, GA         Adam Leblanc
  11. Douglasville, GA       Darrel Gibson
  12. Hiram, GA               Steven Jordan
  13. Hiram, GA              Carlos Uriostegui
  14. Macon, GA              Jeanes Paiva
  15. Macon, GA            Jonairyl Robertson
  16. Marietta, GA            Delfor Barrios
  17. Marietta, GA            Jose Luis
  18. McDonough, GA      Caden Stracener
  19. McDonough, GA     Brian Martinez
  20. Rome, GA               Jonathan Farmer
  21. Newnan, GA           Daniel Castro
  22. Newnan, GA           Randy Reier
  23. Snellville, GA           Maurice Lajoie
  24. Statesboro, GA       Julian Carrasco

Each Meat Cutter is responsible for hand-cutting every steak served at their local Texas Roadhouse. In an average year, they cut about $1 million worth of meat and spend seven to eight hours a day cutting meat in the 35-degree walk-in cooler.

The National Meat Cutting Challenge is part of the Meat Hero program, created in 2001, to recognize daily efforts of Texas Roadhouse meat cutters. Meat cutters hand-cut each steak served at the restaurants. Their work is displayed in the lobby where guests are invited to choose their favorite steak.

Based in Louisville, Kentucky, founded by Kent Taylor, Texas Roadhouse opened its doors in 1993 and has more than 600 locations in 49 states and 10 foreign countries. The family-friendly restaurant is famous for Hand-Cut steaks, Made-From-Scratch Sides, Fresh-Baked Bread, and a lively atmosphere. In 2022, Texas Roadhouse was named one of Fortune Magazine’s Most Admired Companies. Texas Roadhouse also ranked third on Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Customer Service for Casual Dining Restaurants in 2021. In addition to Texas Roadhouse, the company owns and operates Bubba’s 33 and Jaggers, for more information, visit www.texasroadhouse.com.