Baumhower feeds ‘GameDay,’ has special treat for Nick Saban

Bob Baumhower went off menu Saturday, but it was for a good reason.

He and his Baumhower's Victory Grill crew were on hand Saturday to feed ESPN's "College GameDay" panel in Tuscaloosa, so he prepared a surprise for former Alabama coach Nick Saban.

"We have a little extra treat for just him," Baumhower told AL.com of Saban's favorite, carrot cake.

It marked the second consecutive year ESPN tapped Baumhower's culinary empire for catering the popular college football pregame show.

"Last year was our first time, and it was just one of those experiences of a lifetime, especially from my perspective with having my team of (son) Spencer (Baumhower) and the folks we had up there," Baumhower said. "That was very, very special.

"It's hard to top, but it is topped this year because it is the second year in a row. I can't believe they picked us again, but we are flattered."

Pat McAfee didn't wait long to eat, leading the dive into the food as Rece Davis, Desmond Howard and Kirk Herbstreit followed. The impressive spread included:

Grilled fire roasted wings

Grilled Alabama Gulf Shrimp with house-made Mango Salsa

Grilled Conecuh Sausage Dog

Grilled Black + White Chicken

Anne Katherine's Blackberry Cobbler

Fried banana pudding

"They enjoyed our fare last year, but to have coach Saban there, it don't get any better than that," said Baumhower, who was a two-time All-American at Alabama before being drafted by the Dolphins in the 1977 NFL draft and going on to five Pro Bowls.

Baumhower, the CEO, was joined on set by son and President Spencer Baumhower, Director of Culinary Operations Zack Compton, Las Florditas general manager Ray Garber, and son Wesley Baumhower.

"At Baumhower's, we do a lot of nods to the state of Alabama that are local and unique," Spencer Baumhower told AL.com . "Conecuh stuff, Wickles Pickles, Black Berry cobbler - with the state fruit - and Black and White platter with the white barbecue sauce.

"There's a lot of state of Alabama in our menu. I think that plays a lot into it. We were all shocked. We didn't think they would do it twice in a row. We are excited and honored."

Saban is no stranger to the Baumhower's Victory Grill menu, having done his coach's show from the Tuscaloosa location for 17 years.

"Miss Terry was always there, and they had a big table," Spencer Baumhower said. "She was at every show."