
Our Story
Who We Are
The Texas Meat Mafia is a proud, passionate BBQ cooking team rooted in tradition, competition, and community. We bring the heat to every cook-off with award-winning flavors, unmatched teamwork, and a relentless drive to be the best. But beyond the smoke and sizzle, our mission runs much deeper.
We believe BBQ is a powerful way to bring people together—and we use that power to serve those in need. Whether it's firing up the pit to raise funds for medical expenses, helping families who’ve lost their homes, covering essential bills during hard times, or supporting those who’ve lost a loved one, we show up with full hearts and full plates.
From benefit cooks and charity events to community outreach and local partnerships, we’re committed to making a difference—one brisket at a time. For us, it’s not just about the trophies. It’s about feeding hope, fueling support, and standing strong for our neighbors when they need it most.
Meet Our Dream Team
Our team is a diverse group of BBQ enthusiasts with skills honed through years of competition. Each member brings their unique flavor and dedication, contributing to our success and camaraderie.

TEXAS MEAT MAFIA


Shawnee Cervantes
The Matriarch of the flame
Mike Arciniega
The Founding Flame General


Marcos Vargas -
Pitmaster in Chief
Geneve Vargas
Culinary Combat Commander


Joe Arciniega
The Pit Pageantry Strategist
Ralph Rodriguez
The Pit Pageantry Architect

Jennifer Ramirez
The Grillside Operations Executive

Liana Rodriguez
The Compliance Cook Commander