Pensacola Eggfest isn’t just about amazing BBQ. It’s about the people behind the grill. Each year, cook teams from near and far fire up their Big Green Eggs, bring their best recipes, and share their passion with the community. In this series leading up to the big day, November 16, 2025, we’ll be introducing you to some of the incredible teams you’ll see at this year’s competition.
Leading the series is Chef Matthew Brown; a known foodie, award-winning chef, and someone who not only knows food, but consistently creates new recipes (soups at The Farm, oh my!) and new products for his very own Black Garlic Market.
Chef Matthew prepares the first ever tasting of River Woods Ranch Beef in Spring of 2025Speaking of soup, if you’ve been to the Pensacola Eggfest VIP event you’ve likely tasted his world-famous Smoked Gouda Mushroom Soup and asked for more.
But this year, Chef Matthew is teaming up with Melinda from River Woods Ranch and together, they’ll present a type of beef that might be new to your palate: Cracker Cows. Their herd forages the pastures consuming various plants and berries local to the area. This gives them an intense beef flavor that is quite different from your typical beef cattle. Their cuts of beef can be purchased at The Farm on Mobile Hwy.
Melinda & colleague Chris showing off River Woods Ranch to Chef MatthewWe asked Chef Matthew (and the other cook teams) to answer a few fun questions so we can get to know them before the big event. Here’s what we learned:
What inspired your team to sign up for Pensacola Eggfest, and what keeps you coming back (if you’re returning)?
We have an amazing opportunity to showcase history and bring it back to Pensacola. River Woods Ranch is raising and farming the original cracker cattle. This is our chance to showcase the flavor and the story behind the brand-new endeavor.
How would you describe your cooking style or the vibe your team brings to Eggfest?
Our style: Educational. Our mission is to bring this breed of cow to your table. We want to show you why this is special, how it started, and where you can be a part of it.
What dish are you most excited to serve this year, and why should people be lining up at your tent?
No one, to our knowledge, is using this breed to showcase. Our sliders and bacon jam are a perfect balance. The texture and flavors of a forage diet shine through the bacon jam because… it’s bacon jam.
For someone thinking about signing up next year, what’s the best part about being a cook team at Eggfest?
There is an honor to being part of it. There are competitions all year. This one, Pensacola Eggfest, is elite. It’s filled with heavy hitters and professionals. Being part of it gives us all an opportunity to learn and share our skills and our story.
What’s your biggest BBQ “oops” you’ve experienced while cooking?
Ouch. I think everyone has had that “chicken moment” no one likes to talk about. It’s like F&B voodoo. We’ve had that time where we undercooked chicken. The panic is real, and the education lasts a lifetime. If you see a chef with a thermometer in his pocket, he’s had that “chicken moment.“
Bonus Question: What team are you looking to beat this year? Any rivalries going on?
I’ll talk a little smack…What’s a clear indication you’re doing something right? When the heavy hitters, the career BBQ chefs and the competition junkies casually make it to your tent. You see, that means they’ve heard of you. They just took time away from their camp to come over and grab a sample to see what the fuss is about. That moment of pause after a taste is a trophy every time. We look forward to seeing all the top tier chefs. We’ll keep the fire burning for you!
The Farm & River Woods Ranch Team at The FarmThank you, Chef Matthew! We look forward to tasting this rare type of beef!
Be on the lookout for a Pensacola Eggfest, The Farm, and River Woods Ranch pop up event at The Farm of Pensacola on October 5, 2025 where Chef Matthew and Melinda will be practicing for the big day. Watch the respective social media channels for more details.
Think your crew has what it takes to join in on the fun? Pensacola Eggfest is still accepting cook teams to jump in, share flavors, and help raise money for great local organizations. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or just love cooking for friends, Eggfest is the perfect place to highlight your skills or just have some good BBQ fun with your team.
Pensacola Eggfest will take place at Noon (or earlier if you snag a VIP ticket which are 85% sold out), Sunday November 16th, 2025, at Hadji Temple, 800 W 9 Mile Rd, Pensacola, FL 32534. The event hosts BBQ teams and backyard cooks from all over the United States who share two things: a love of cooking and the joy of giving back to their communities. Since 2013, over $930,000 has been donated to local charities from this little BBQ party and the Pensacola Eggfest team is ready to push it over the $1 million mark with your help.
Come join them to taste all the good food. (Click here for Tickets!) Better yet, grab some friends and join in on the fun as a cook team. (Click here to learn more and register your team.) You won’t regret it.
