The second annual Youth Pitmaster Competition returned to the back fields of the Midway Recreation Center in DeKalb County on Aug. 1.
The competition, a joint effort by the Department of Youth Services and Commissioner Ted Terry, enlisted youth aged 12-24 to compete for cash prizes and the coveted title of DeKalb County’s Best Youth Pitmasters.
Eight teams went head-to-head, grilling up full multi-course meals in several rounds, hoping to win over the tastebuds of four judges. The completed servings included wings, burgers, ribs, and cobbler, along with specialty drinks and tasty desserts. Teams worked with coach chefs and their dishes were judged based on flavor, execution, presentation and overall creativity.
“I am so proud of the young chefs that participated in the second annual Youth Pitmasters Competition,” Commissioner Ted Terry said. “This competition allows aspiring chefs to show off their culinary talents and encourages the next generation of young chefs to pursue careers in the culinary arts. Together, we celebrate the incredible talent of our youth and honor the diverse flavors and lasting traditions of our DeKalb neighbors.”
The young chefs gained real-world, practical skills, engaged in teamwork, gained confidence in their abilities, and showed off their skills to the judges and their families who attended the event.
“Commissioner Terry had a vision, and he was able to articulate that vision, and this is a manifestation of that,” said Eleven Burdine, Youth Service Coordinator, following the 2026 event. “Everyone today has said we need this to be even bigger. It has been a true pleasure for me to bring that vision to life; it’s always fun for me.”
Some of the competitors from the Pit Pressure team spoke about the importance of this event. Jai’Elle M. said she had never participated in anything like this before the first competition in November of 2025. “It was very nice to get myself out there and get myself some exposure. I’m originally from Alaska, so it’s really a good environment to open up yourselves to the types of cultures that Atlanta has. I feel like the people who are scared to come here and compete for the first time, like I was in November, just have to remember that you suffer more in your imagination than in reality.”
Antoinette B. said that the importance of events like this is to give young people a safe space to be creative together, in a setting that’s not geared towards adults. “It’s really just about bringing out the youth in the community and giving us a space where we can express ourselves, network with each other, and build community. Events like this bring people together.”
Meanwhile, Zyden S. kept it simple: “The kitchen’s going to get hot, you’ve got to keep cooking.”
