Ocala pitmaster is back on TV

“BBQ Brawl” judges Rashad Jones, Adrienne Cheatham and Carson Kressley. [Photo courtesy Rashad Jones/Food Network]

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Posted June 11, 2026 | By Susan Smiley-Height, [email protected]

Ocala’s own Rashad Jones is back on television, this time as a judge for the Food Network’s “BBQ Brawl.”

The local restaurateur is well known for his Big Lee’s – Serious About BBQ brand and for winning the “BBQ Brawl” in 2022 and for besting one of the nation’s top chefs in 2023 when he came out on top in “Beat Bobby Flay” Season 34.

Now, he is part of a three-judge team, with Adrienne Cheatham and Carson Kressley, who will determine the next “Master of ‘Cue.”

“BBQ Brawl” airs at 9 p.m. EST on Mondays and streams the next day on HBO Max.

According to a news release, “returning team captains Bobby Flay and Maneet Chauhanare are joined at Star Hill Ranch this season by Brooke Williamson, who for the first time moves from ‘BBQ Brawl’ judge to captain. Each chef leads their own team of talented Brawlers though a series of intense culinary challenges where judges will determine the most and least successful dishes. At the end of the nine-episode season, only one competitor can claim victory in their quest to become ‘Master of ‘Cue’ and deliver bragging rights to their team captain.” 

From grills and smokers to vertical fire and raw wood, these pitmasters are challenged each week to work with different fire elements and unexpected ingredients. In the finale on July 6, the three most successful Brawlers will face an “epic gauntlet of unknown ingredients” where they must think on their feet and manage their time, the release noted.

While Jones was not at liberty to divulge anything about the competition itself since the show is still running, he did respond to the “Gazette” via text message about the experience of being back in Texas and back on television.

“Returning to Food Network’s ‘BBQ Brawl’ was an incredible experience, allowing me to make history twice over. Not only am I the first former brawler to ever return to the show in any capacity—especially to sit at the judge’s table—but I also stepped back onto the set as the only barbecue chef on the planet to defeat Bobby Flay for a second time on his iconic show, ‘Beat Bobby Flay,’” Jones said.

“Joining the judges’ panel alongside James Beard-nominated chef Adrienne Cheatham and Emmy Award-winning television icon Carson Kressley was a true honor. We shared a tremendous mutual respect and, as the Season 3 champion, I brought a distinct, boots-on-the-ground barbecue background to the table. Sharing my real-life insights and stepping into my natural roles as a mentor and coach was deeply special. Whether giving the competitors credible advice on dialing in a dish or helping them conquer imposter syndrome, knowing my feedback carried the weight of experience meant everything,” Jones added.

“This is by far the best season of ‘BBQ Brawl.’ The talented pool of pitmasters is through the roof, featuring incredible competitors from Tennessee, Texas, Atlanta, and even a brawler all the way from Italy. Tasting the creations of 12 world-class pitmasters and their legendary team captains—Bobby Flay, Maneet Chauhan and Brooke Williamson—was like stepping into flavor paradise. These three are some of the most competitive culinarians on the planet and their food absolutely speaks for itself. Sure, the Texas heat was intense during filming, but as a Florida pitmaster, I’m well accustomed to the fire,” Jones continued.

“Ultimately, this isn’t just a great milestone for the Big Lee’s brand; it’s a tremendous moment in time for Ocala, Marion County and the entire barbecue community. Join us every Monday night at 9 p.m. on Food Network to catch all the action,” he added.

To learn more, go to foodnetwork.com and mybigleesbbq.com

Prior “Gazette” articles:

Big Lee’s Rashad Jones: ‘I beat Bobby Flay’ | Ocala Gazette

Local pitmaster Rashad Jones wins Food Network’s third season of ‘BBQ Brawl’ | Ocala Gazette