Yuma Texas Roadhouse butcher prepare for meat cutting challenge

YUMA, AZ (AZFamily)—Texas Roadhouse hand cuts all meat served at its restaurants. Its annual meat cutter challenge is an opportunity for its butchers to showcase their skills while competing for a grand prize of $25,000.

The regional qualifier is happening on Tuesday at AZ Ice in Peoria. Twenty-eight meat-cutters will be participating.

Each participant is given 20-30 pounds of beef and will be judged on the quality of their cuts and yield. They'll be cutting ribeye, filet, and sirloin.

The competition is held at a chilling 38 degrees in the arena.

Jorge Renteria is a meat cutter at the Texas Roadhouse in Yuma. He's worked there for 13 years.

This year will be his third time competing in the regional qualifier, but it will be his first time competing as a head cutter.

"We had an unfortunate accident with our other meat cutter. He was in a motorcycle accident so Jorge has stepped up and become our No. 1 meat cutter at a time we needed it. He's really stepped up," said KC Buckman, service manager at Texas Roadhouse Yuma .

Renteria said he's ready for the competition.

"I'm gonna go there and do my best but I know what to expect, so hopefully I can do a little better than last time," he said.

The Texas Roadhouse in Yuma goes through 3,000 pounds of meat each week.

Renteria said he takes pride in the work he does and is happy to be representing his team.

"It feels good. You see all the hard work you put into the meat and everyone notices the good-looking steak. I get compliments and it makes me feel that appreciation," he said.

Renteria makes it look easy, but Buckman said it's a skill he's perfected over the years.

"He just has that pristine slice, that cut that just makes the perfect specs every time," said Buckman.

Buckman said there's nobody better to represent Yuma.

"My goal is to be the best that I can," said Renteria.