Fort Worth, TX – There is an art to grilling, especially in the restaurant industry. Fine grilling requires a blend of time, temperature, and taste, which is what the Champion Grill helps restaurateurs accomplish. Developed by Lawton Haygood, who also created the Tuff Grill, the Champion Grill is now produced and marketed by Smokey Mountain Grills LLC, according to Kevin Livingston, who is president of the Fort Worth-based company. The upgraded model of the Champion Grill is available now, Livingston said. Livingston’s company also produces and sells the Tuff Grill.
Designed to use wood and charcoal, the Champion Grill debuted in the 1980s. The new model includes improved heavy duty cooking grids and fire grates that are standard. They are Only available in 52”-64” of the Champion Classic series.
Constructed of double-walled stainless steel with firebrick that radiates heat back into the grill area, the Champion Grill controls and evenly distributes cooking temperatures, which results in lower fuel costs.
The air intake system is another fuel efficient feature of the Champion Grill. A convection process creates a natural vacuum that draws air through ducts creating an even grilling surface.
Thick cast iron grates – that are 18 and 22 pounds compared to the industry standard of 10 pounds – direct the flow of excess juices and do not warp. Doors, ash boxes, and grate sections can be quickly removed for easy access when cleaning. Since the Champion Grill’s exterior is made of durable stainless steel, it is easy to clean and damage resistant.
With the array of dining choices that are available, customers prefer uniqueness and quality, thus the reason natural grilling is more popular than ever. Grilling over wood or charcoal imparts a different flavor that enhances the food’s natural taste. Restaurants that use the Champion Grill are perfect examples, such as Texas-based Beck’s Prime, a fast casual chain known for burgers and steaks prepared over mesquite wood.
Champion Grills are once again being produced by the original manufacturer, Nashville-based Falcon Fabricators, which built the grill for 10 years with Hickory Specialties.
“Woodfired grills for restaurant use is a niche market. Kevin is driving force behind rebirth,” said John Carnahan, who is general manager of Falcon Fabricators. “To many people, woodfired grilled food tastes better than gas. It’s more flavorful.”
Restaurateurs have two options from Smokey Mountain Grills – the Tuff Grill and the Champion Grill. The Tuff Grill is regarded as a high-end model with its patented cool jacket design, cast iron grill grates and gas log lighter. Livingston decided to add the Champion Grill line to expand his potential customer base. And among the upgrades he added to the Champion Grill is the grill grates found on the Tuff Grill. Livingston’s company also offers replacement parts for the Champion Grill, providing a one-stop shop for Champion Grill and Tuff Grill customers.
“The Champion Grill provides a lower cost alternative for people who don’t want the added features of the Tuff Grill (which include a log lighter and an air jacket),” Carnahan said. “This (the Champion Grill) is a heavy duty, durable grill that will last for several years. And if you need parts, we have them available to be shipped out the same day.”
Livingston is offering a special to celebrate the debut of the new model of the Champion Grill. As part of the Champions 50 Program, the first 50 grill orders will be shipped at no charge to dealers or clients. The grill is shipped out of Nashville. For more information, visit www.ChampionTuffGrills.com.
