Dayton butchers to compete in National Meat Cutting Challenge

According to Texas Roadhouse Consultant Elise Goldstein, the idea came about from the sheer number of meat cutters across the country.

"Texas Roadhouse has a meat cutter in every location across the country and they get their steaks already precut in huge pieces. Butchers actually cut the meat and they work 8 hours a day cutting meat."

"Many years we learned that this meat cutting thing is actually a rare talent and kind of a lost art," said Goldstein. "We decided that we should celebrate the amazing talent of these guys. So, we started the regional level competition, then it grew to a national competition."

Mike Jones, the Texas Roadhouse Product Coach and the guy who trains the contestants and oversees the competition said "the National Meat Cutters Challenge is the only competition of its kind."

"The competition instills passion, integrity, and pride and gives meat cutters a sense of ownership," Jones adds.

"[I'm] the guy that oversees everything," he said. "I have 11 different stores in my market. We cut everything from scratch. I go around and make sure the guys are doing everything correctly."

Here's a look at the final roster—the meat cutters who will battle head to head for the $20,000 grand prize:

Participating Meat-Cutters

1.            Joey Wetnight, Terre Haute, IN

2.            Jose Louis Alamo, Columbus, IN

3.            Prospero Sotelo, Bloomington, IN

4.            Bernardo Arias, Bloomington, IN

5.            Adam Wyne,  Richmond,  IN

6.            Antonio Cruz, Richmond, IN

7.            Filimon Hipolito, Southport, IN

8.            Shawn Craig, Evansville,  IN

9.            Kevin Stout, Evansville , IN

10.          Carlos Martinez,  Paducah,  KY

11.          Raul Morales, Greenwood,  IN

12.          Alajandro Perez, Greenwood,  IN

13.          Juan Figueroa,  Huber Heights, OH

14.          Scott Henning, Fairborn, OH

15.          Nate Messenger, Huber Heights, OH

The competition will be held in Indianapolis, Indiana, but if you want more information or would like to support your Dayton neighbors participating in the competition, here's what you should know.

WHAT: Texas Roundhouse National Meat Cutting Challenge
WHEN: 11 a.m. Tuesday, October 20    
WHERE: Zink Distributing Co. 3150 Shelby St, Indianapolis, IN 46227
MORE INFORMATION: Website | Facebook