Two Texas Chefs Compete on Food Network's BBQ Brawl

Braunda Smith and Tim McLaughlin join Bobby Flay's team in Austin showdown

Apr. 8, 2026 at 10:24pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of glistening, sizzling barbecue meat textures in deep, earthy tones, capturing the essence of Texas-style BBQ in a dramatic, high-contrast studio lighting setup.A close-up of the smoky, caramelized textures that define Texas barbecue, as showcased on the national stage of Food Network's BBQ Brawl.San Antonio Today

Two Texas chefs, Braunda Smith from Lucy Coopers Ice House in San Antonio and Tim McLaughlin from Crossbuck BBQ in Dallas, will be competing on the upcoming season of Food Network's BBQ Brawl, which is being filmed in Austin. They will be part of celebrity chef Bobby Flay's team as he takes on other culinary stars in the barbecue-focused competition series.

Why it matters

Food Network's BBQ Brawl is a high-profile showcase for top pitmasters and chefs, and having two Texans on Bobby Flay's team highlights the state's reputation for exceptional barbecue. The inclusion of Smith and McLaughlin also spotlights the vibrant food scenes in San Antonio and Dallas, which have been gaining national attention in recent years.

The details

Braunda Smith, the owner of Lucy Coopers Ice House in San Antonio, and Tim McLaughlin, the pitmaster at Crossbuck BBQ in Dallas, will be part of Bobby Flay's team on the upcoming season of Food Network's BBQ Brawl. The show, which pits celebrity chefs against each other in barbecue-focused challenges, is being filmed on location in Austin.

  • The new season of BBQ Brawl is set to premiere in Summer 2026.

The players

Braunda Smith

The owner of Lucy Coopers Ice House, a popular barbecue restaurant in San Antonio.

Tim McLaughlin

The pitmaster at Crossbuck BBQ, a acclaimed barbecue joint in Dallas.

Bobby Flay

A celebrity chef who will be leading a team on the upcoming season of Food Network's BBQ Brawl, which is being filmed in Austin.

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What they’re saying

“I'm excited to represent Texas on the national stage and show off our incredible barbecue.”

— Braunda Smith, Owner, Lucy Coopers Ice House

“Competing against the best pitmasters in the country is an honor, and I can't wait to bring the Dallas barbecue style to BBQ Brawl.”

— Tim McLaughlin, Pitmaster, Crossbuck BBQ

What’s next

The new season of BBQ Brawl is set to premiere on Food Network in Summer 2026, showcasing the competition between the teams led by Bobby Flay, Braunda Smith, and Tim McLaughlin.

The takeaway

The inclusion of two acclaimed Texas chefs on Bobby Flay's team for Food Network's BBQ Brawl highlights the state's reputation for exceptional barbecue and the rising culinary profiles of San Antonio and Dallas.