THE LARGEST AND MOST POPULAR

SOCIAL MEDIA BARBECUE INFLUENCERS & PITMASTER'S EVENT IN THE COUNTRY!


 Hondo, TX

The 2024 Texas Open Fire Meat Up was nothing short of legendary.
Pitmasters, chefs, and BBQ fanatics from every corner of the globe came together to honor the primal magic of fire and smoke.

With whole animals roasting, sparks flying, and the unmistakable aroma of authentic asado in the air, this wasn’t just an event—it was a celebration of a way of life. Open-fire cooking at its finest, fueled by passion, skill, and a love for incredible meat.


2024 OPEN FIRE MEAT UP  PHOTO GALLERY


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2024 OPEN FIRE MEAT UP IN NUMBERS

120 +

BBQ Influencers & Pitmasters from the US and around the world!

3.500+

General Public Assistants

15+

Teams Competing

30.000

Food Samples Delivered

36

Brands that supported the event

2024 OPEN FIRE MEAT UP  WINNERS


⭐ PEOPLE'S CHOICE ⭐

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🏆 1ST PLACE - TEAM TAGWOOD & ARGENTINE BEEF /   RECIPE: ARGENTINE EMPANADAS



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🥈 2ND PLACE - TEAM SOCIEDAD MEXICANA DE PARRILLEROS /   RECIPE: RIBEYE & PORK BELLY CHEESE CRUST TACOS

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🥉 3RD PLACE - TEAM BIG GREEN EGG / RECIPE: FLAME SEARED CHEESE CRUSTED STRIP LOIN



⭐ JUDGE'S CHOICE ⭐

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🏆 1ST PLACE - TEAM TAGWOOD & ARGENTINE BEEF / RECIPE: ARGENTINE EMPANADAS

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🥈 2ND PLACE - TEAM PRO PIT / RECIPE: TEXAS CHILLI PAN DE CAMPO



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🥉 3RD PLACE - TEAM MELINDA'S / RECIPE: HOT HONEY JALAPEÑO RANCH WINGS

Some of the The 2024 BBQ Influencers

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TESTIMONIALS

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When I started this thing back in 2020, I never imagined it would turn into this huge event.

 But here we are, bringing together the best Pitmasters and BBQ influencers from every corner of the country.  I'm so proud of this event and the spirit of supporting First Responders and Bettertment of our community. 

 Trust me, you don’t want to miss it!

@alfrugoni

Al Frugoni

On a rustic ranch surrounded by flames pitmasters from around the world gather every year to cook meat raise glasses and share stories on the bbq trail. This intimate and epic event is unlike any other with hands on experience and cooks that make the cover of magazines! You don’t want to miss this!

@darksideofthegrill

Mel Chmilar JR

I’ve been going to these Open Fire Meat Ups since the very beginning. Every year the event gets bigger and bigger. It’s an event I look forward to the most because this is the only event in Texas that I can hang out with some of biggest BBQ names in this industry. No egos just pure love and camaraderie. Some of which are my Best friends in my personal life. Doing what you love with some of the ones you love is the best thing ever!

@tfti.bbq

Tony Ramirez

Wonderful event  and great opportunity to meet with friends, share the passion of cooking and have so much fun!



@seattlebutcherswife

Misty Banchero

THIS EVENT PROUDLY SUPPORTS

FIRST RESPONDERS AND BETTERMENT OF OUR COMMUNITY.

THE TEXAS OPEN FIRE MEAT UP ISN'T JUST ABOUT FEASTING,

IT'S ABOUT GIVING BACK.


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BRANDS THAT SUPPORT US

About Al Frugoni

Al Frugoni is an Argentinian pitmaster, open fire cooking expert, and the mastermind behind the Texas Open Fire Meat Up.

Born and raised in Argentina, where fire and meat are a way of life, Al has spent years perfecting the art of asado. Based in texas for the last 10 years, he’s on a mission to unite the bold barbecue traditions of Argentina and Texas into one unforgettable experience.

With nearly 3 million followers on social media, Al has become a global authority in open fire cooking.

His passion doesn’t stop at the flames—he’s also the founder of the Al Frugoni Brand, a line of Argentinean-style rubs and seasonings that bring authentic asado flavors to backyard barbecues everywhere.

In 2021, Al took his love for fire and community to the next level by creating the Texas Open Fire Meat Up, a one-of-a-kind event that celebrates fire, smoke, and the universal love for barbecue. What started as a small gathering of pitmasters and barbecue enthusiasts has grown into an annual destination for grillers, foodies, and fire lovers from around the world.  It’s not just an event—it’s a movement, bringing together the primal magic of open fire cooking with the creativity and camaraderie of the barbecue community.

Today, Al is recognized as a leading innovator in the culinary world, blending cultures, flavors, and techniques with every meal he cooks. Al Frugoni is all about sharing his love for the fire and inspiring the next generation of grillers.

"Open Fire is not a way of cooking, is a way of life"
Al Frugoni.

INTERESTED IN SPONSORING THE NEXT EVENT?

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📍The Barn, Quail Crossing Ranch

 877 Co Rd 540, Hondo, TX 78861, United States

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