SC chef competing on Food Network show ‘BBQ Brawl.’ Here’s when to watch and where to try her food
If you’re looking for some serious smoke and sizzle, the Lowcountry’s own Orchid Paulmeier is back in the spotlight as she joins the cast of brawlers on the new season of “BBQ Brawl” on Food Network.
Lovingly known as “Mama Orchid,” Paulmeier is the owner and executive chef of the popular Southern barbecue restaurant, One Hot Mama’s.
Now, she’s bringing her signature Lowcountry flavors to the high-stakes grills of Austin, Texas.
Who is Orchid Paulmeier?
Paulmeier has long-time roots in the Lowcountry, which began when she took an internship at a resort in Hilton Head in 1994. From there, she built her experience in the restaurant business and opened the first One Hot Mama’s in Bluffton right before her 30th birthday in 2007.
She’s famed for her blend of Southern favorites like collards, cornbread and slow-cooked barbecue and ribs with her own signature sauces, all stemming from her mother and grandmother’s teachings.
Today, One Hot Mama’s has expanded to two Lowcountry locations, with a second restaurant on Hilton Head Island. Paulmeier’s family-friendly barbecue joint serves up hearty plates of smoked meats, wings, burgers and Southern sides, all crafted with her signature touch.
For over 20 years, Paulmeier has been known for running her kitchen like she lives her life, surrounded by family, friends and feel-good food.
Even with her deep love of cooking and serving up fan favorite BBQ, Paulmeier is no stranger to the spotlight.
She’s a former contestant on “The Next Food Network Star” and was named a 2016 South Carolina Chef Ambassador. In addition, Paulmeier was one of the featured chefs at the James Beard House Dinner.
Ahead of the first episode that premiered on June 1, Paulmeier and the One Hot Mama’s team shared their enthusiasm about the competition on Instagram:
“So excited to share with the world that Mama Orchid is BACK in the action on @foodnetwork BBQ Brawl!”
What is BBQ Brawl about?
“BBQ Brawl” is Food Network’s fiery competition where some of the country’s top pitmasters face off in a series of grilling and smoking challenges.
Famed chefs, including Bobby Flay, Maneet Chauhan and Antonia Lofaso, serve as mentors for each team of brawlers to guide them through the ups and downs of the competition.
In this new season, titled “BBQ Brawl: Flay v. Chauhan v. Lofaso,” the show returns to the iconic Star Hill Ranch in Austin, Texas, for the cook-off.
Twelve brawlers, divided into three teams, compete across ten high-stakes episodes to win the title: “Master of ‘Cue” and the chance to be featured across Food Network’s platforms.
Other brawlers in this season’s competition include:
- Tyler Anderson from Connecticut
- Kyle Bryner from Georgia
- Jason Dady from Texas
- Alexandra Donnadio from New Jersey
- Greg Gatlin from Texas
- Brad Leighninger from Missouri
- Thyron Mathews from Iowa
- Rosalie Bradford Pareja from Florida
- Tim Van Doren from Alabama
- Arturo Ramon from Texas
- Aarthi Sampath from New York
Contestants’ dishes are judged by BBQ expert Rodney Scott, chef Brooke Williamson and television personality Carson Kressley.
In each round, one contestant is eliminated to heighten the competition and name the “Master of ‘Cue.”
In the latest episode, Alabama grillmaster, Tim Van Doren was eliminated from the competition.
Where & when can I watch?
“BBQ Brawl: Flay v. Chauhan v. Lofaso” premiered on Sunday, June 1 on Food Network.
The show airs weekly on Sunday at 9 p.m., with episodes available for streaming on Max the following Monday.
Viewers can also watch from the Food Network’s website and app for cable subscribers.
This story was originally published June 4, 2025 at 6:00 AM with the headline "SC chef competing on Food Network show ‘BBQ Brawl.’ Here’s when to watch and where to try her food."
