An Arnold man has earned a spot in the third annual Grill Master National Competition sponsored by Culver’s restaurants.
Twenty-year-old Kalem Fredrick of Arnold and Daniel Beckard of west county make up the Arnold Culver’s Grill-and-Bun Team that will compete in the national competition that will take place from Feb. 9 to Feb. 11 in Milwaukee, Wis. The Arnold team is one of eight from the 391-unit restaurant chain that will compete for the Grill Master’s title.
Fredrick and Beckard advanced to the national competition after capturing the Grill Master Sectional Competition in November.
As one of eight teams to reach the finals, Fredrick and Beckard will compete head to head to complete a series of orders simulating their actual work in the restaurant. Their products will be scored on quality, accuracy, teamwork and timeliness.
The title pursuit began with an 80-question written test administered by managers. The tests covered a range of procedures and techniques the chain feels maintain its image.
“The regional manager judged us based on procedure, quality of service and speed of service,” Fredrick said. “I wasn’t too worried about the written exam. I did all the reading and understood it. It wasn’t too difficult.”
Their written scores qualified the local crew for sectional competition at the chain’s first restaurant in Sauk City, Wis.
“We competed against 16 other teams,” he said. “They gave each team about 15 minutes. They gave us a lot of orders. We had to get them out as fast as we could. The judges took items off the tray at random to judge them for quality. We got in the top eight.”
Fredrick said a highlight of the experience was getting to know Beckard during the seven-hour trip to Wisconsin.
“I didn’t know Dan very well before the competition,” he said.
The competition was “nerve wracking,” and “very difficult,” Fredrick said.
“I was shaking all over at regionals,” he said. “It’s just like a rush of orders. I know what to expect now. Orders were coming in much faster than we have here at our restaurant.”
Fredrick and Beckard now will compete against seven other teams for $3,500 in cash, medals and Grill Master apparel.
“The whole competition is basically to let the employees shine,” Fredrick said. “The corporation pays for everything. It’s basically a reward for all the hard work we put in. I hope to not choke. As long as we don’t mess up too bad, I think we can win it. I know what to expect now.”
