Timothy Chapman
The taste of victory lingers on each bite of Rio Grande Valley’s own Fred Robles’ dish after he won the brisket contest in the San Antonio stock show and rodeo earlier this month.
Rio Valley Meat Butcher Shop has competed in this cook-off before when it took the grand champion trophy in 2022.
306 teams competed in the San Antonio Cook-Off and according to Fred Robles this is the second largest Cook-Off in the country right behind the American Royal World Series of Barbecue in Kansas where Robles also took first place in the brisket competition last fall.
Owner Fred Robles said the camaraderie and friendships he builds every time he goes to the San Antonio Cook-Off is what drives him the most to compete in the event.
To him, winning is always the cherry on top.
He said he used the same recipe that won him the American Royal competition last fall.
Robles said when he hits his marks and gets it just right, then he can make some darn-good barbecue.
Co-owner of Rio Valley Meat Butcher Shop Yadi Robles said she has received so many comments and congratulations from people after her husband’s accomplishments, which has led to an increase of local customers.
The next cook-off competition Rio Valley Meat Butcher Shop will compete will take place Saturday at the Smokin’ on the Rio State Championship BBQ Cook-Off in Mercedes.
This is Timothy Chapman for Vaquero Radio.