Chef Hondo Hernandez started competing in Backyard BBQ Competitions then turned Professional BBQ Competitor in a little under One Year. Mentored in San Antonio, Texas by a Great Chef and Celebrity Pitmaster, Chef Hondo fell in Love with South Texas flavors. After winning numerous events back in California, He gained national sponsorships from Oklahoma Joe's Smokers and B&B Charcoal Products and Blues Hog Sauces and Rubs. Chef Hondo has won many awards for his BBQ most notably the first Gilroy Garlic Festival BBQ Contest in 2016, Ceres Smoke on the River Grand Champion, Ceres Battle of Champions Overall Champion and winning back to back years at the NHS Las Vegas Steak Cookoff 2018 & 2019 earning spots at SCA World Championships in Fort Worth, TX as well as World Food Championships in Dallas, TX. In 2019 he entered the restaurant industry as an Executive Chef helping to open a restaurant in Salinas' southside. Building a BBQ inspired menu from the ground up he introduced Championship quality BBQ to the Salinas Valley. Nominated two consecutive years for Best BBQ in Monterey County & Best Restaurant in Salinas, Chef Hondo has decided to take his talents on the road and walk away from the restaurant industry by opening his own food trailer with the help of his Wife, Jocelyne, and continued support of the community through pop ups and events. Not having the demanding schedule of a restaurant to worry about, he has jumped back into the competition arena and just won Reserve Grand Champion in the Barbecue Category at the 2022 World Food Championships in Dallas, Texas to move on to the finals the next day. After competing in a Single Turn In, Live Panel Judging from BBQ Legends (Famous Dave Anderson, Chris Lilly, LeeAnn Whippen, Harry Soo and Tuffy Stone) SHOWOFF BBQ won Reserve Grand Champion Overall.

 

SHOWOFF California Craft Barbecue is a truly unique BBQ experience from hand crafted sides, succulent smoked meats and culinary inspired sandwiches and plates guaranteed to have you looking for their next pop up and join the following that has grown over the years.