Food and Beverage
NEW SERIES “BBQ HIGH” DEBUTS ON MAGNOLIA NETWORK AUG. 18
Six-Part Docuseries Follows Texas Teens in HS BBQ Inc.’s Competitions for State Championship and Escoffier Scholarship Awards
AUSTIN, Texas /PRNewswire/ — It’s ‘flame on’ for the 130+ Texas high school teams competing in High School BBQ Inc.’s regional competitions leading up to the State Championship with a chance to win scholarship awards toward culinary school from Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts.
BBQ High
The intense world of competitive barbequing is the subject of Magnolia Network’s new six-part docuseries, “BBQ High,” debuting Sunday, August 18*. The series follows Texas teenagers during their senior year of high school as they compete in qualifying BBQ competitions starting in September aiming for the state championship title and scholarship awards in May.
Texas HS BBQ Inc.’s competitions require student-led teams to prepare dishes in five categories: brisket, ribs, chicken, beans, and dessert. In addition to the competitions, “BBQ High” follows students’ journeys and captures some of the pivotal life decisions they face during their final year of high school.
Non-profit HS BBQ, Inc. competitions started six years ago with a handful of students and have grown into a popular competitive sport with more than 130+ teams from across Texas. The organization supports project-based learning to engage and inspire high schoolers to learn about BBQ and compete in competitions.
“BBQ Inc. offers a different kind of extracurricular option for high school students interested in barbeque education and team competitions focused on problem-solving, the science behind cooking and smoking meats, time management, and leadership skills,” said board member Marcus McMellon, president of Escoffier’s Austin campus. Escoffier has been a sponsor since its inception.
“We serve as mentors, provide educational instruction, assist with competition set up, event sponsorship, and offer institutional scholarship awards. We’ve seen these kids take the competition to the next level from pre-dawn practices and creative recipe development to welding their smokers and managing wood-burning pits. The events continue to grow in popularity, to the level of ‘Friday Night Lights’ for BBQ competitions,” added McMellon.
Adult team mentors are allowed to offer advice during the competitive rounds but cannot enter the roped-off areas where the teams prepare their food. Students are required to manage their time to plan and execute the many steps between choosing proteins, setup and turn-in deadlines. Judges assign points for each of the five categories to determine overall winners.
Escoffier serves as a sponsor for all of the HS BBQ Inc. competitions leading up to and including the State Championships and provides institutional scholarship awards for regional and state winners. For more information on the competition, visit High School BBQ, Inc.
More on Escoffier
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, the largest culinary school brand in the U.S. (based on comparable student population data currently reported in IPEDS). Escoffier’s Boulder, CO campus is the only accredited institution in the United States to offer both fully online diploma and degree programs with culinary classes and hands-on industry externships.
Escoffier’s Austin, Texas and Boulder, Colorado campuses (Boulder includes online programs) were ranked number one in the U.S. by Chef’s Pencil, the school’s accredited programs offer the combination of a classic and contemporary approach to industry skills training as well as sustainability-centered and business-focused curriculum. Both Escoffier campuses are Great Place to Work-Certified™ institutions, and have been designated as Military Friendly® Schools, and Boulder was named a Newsweek Top Online Learning School. Escoffier in Austin offers programs in culinary arts, and pastry arts. Escoffier in Boulder offers programs in culinary arts, pastry arts, plant-based culinary arts, hospitality and restaurant operations management, holistic nutrition and wellness, and food entrepreneurship. Click for more information on Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts accreditations and degree and diploma programs.
*BBQ High premieres Sunday, Aug. 18 at 1/12c on Magnolia Network, streaming same-day on Max and Discovery+.
SOURCE Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
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Community
Ollie’s Bargain Outlet Turns Spare Change Into Holiday Hope with Feeding America Partnership
Ollie’s Bargain Outlet launches its sixth annual hOLLIEday Caring campaign with Feeding America, letting shoppers round up purchases to fight hunger. The initiative has raised over $4 million for local food banks since 2019.
Ollie’s Bargain Outlet Turns Spare Change Into Holiday Hope with Feeding America Partnership
When you’re hunting for bargains this holiday season, your spare change could do more than jingle in your pocket—it could put food on a neighbor’s table. Ollie’s Bargain Outlet is launching its sixth annual hOLLIEday Caring campaign, partnering with Feeding America® to give shoppers an easy way to fight hunger right at the register. From December 7th through December 24th, customers can round up their purchases to support local food banks in communities where Ollie’s stores operate. It’s a small gesture that adds up fast—over the past five years, these round-ups have generated more than $4 million for families facing food insecurity.Why This Campaign Matters More Than Ever
Food insecurity isn’t just a holiday problem—it’s a year-round crisis that intensifies when the calendar turns to November and December. Rising costs for food, housing, and healthcare have pushed millions of Americans into impossible choices: pay the electric bill or buy groceries? Fill a prescription or feed the kids? The Feeding America network has responded to this growing need by rescuing more than 4 billion pounds of wholesome food over the past year. But as demand increases, so does the pressure on food banks to keep shelves stocked and families fed. “The holidays can be a particularly challenging period for those in need and the food banks that support them,” the campaign announcement notes. “This is a time when families are forced to choose between food and other necessity items, food banks face rising demand, and families nationwide are turning to the Feeding America network of partner food banks to help make ends meet.”How Round-Ups Create Real Impact
The beauty of Ollie’s hOLLIEday Caring campaign lies in its simplicity. There’s no complicated donation process, no separate transaction, no guilt-inducing ask at the checkout. Just a quick question: would you like to round up your purchase? That extra 37 cents or 82 cents might not seem like much in the moment, but multiply it across hundreds of thousands of transactions at 613 stores in 34 states, and suddenly you’re talking about meaningful resources for local food banks. “Our hOLLIEday Caring campaign encourages shoppers to turn spare change into meaningful support that puts food on the table for neighbors and creates the kind of real change and hope families need right now,” said Tom Kuypers, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Ollie’s.A Partnership Built on Community Values
What makes this initiative particularly effective is that donations stay local. The funds raised support Feeding America’s network of partner food banks in the communities where Ollie’s operates, ensuring that your round-up in Pennsylvania helps Pennsylvania families, and your contribution in Arizona supports Arizona neighbors. This localized approach reflects Ollie’s broader commitment to the communities it serves. “At Ollie’s, caring for our associates, customers, and the communities in which they live in is a core value,” Kuypers emphasized. Elizabeth Pettengill, Interim Vice President of Corporate Partners at Feeding America, echoed that sentiment: “We are grateful for partners like Ollie’s who help make our work possible. Every round up at the register supports local food banks in communities across the country, helping to ensure families can bring meals home during the holidays and beyond.”Beyond the Holidays
While the hOLLIEday Caring campaign runs through Christmas Eve, the need for food assistance doesn’t end when the decorations come down. Food insecurity is a persistent challenge that requires sustained support throughout the year. That’s why partnerships like this one matter—they create awareness, build habits of giving, and demonstrate how easily everyday shoppers can contribute to solutions. When charitable giving is integrated into routine activities like grocery shopping or bargain hunting, it becomes accessible to everyone, not just those with disposable income to spare.How to Participate
If you’re shopping at Ollie’s between December 7th and December 24th, simply say yes when the cashier asks if you’d like to round up your purchase. That’s it. Your spare change will be directed to Feeding America’s network of local food banks, helping families in your community access the food they need. And if Ollie’s isn’t part of your regular shopping routine, consider how you might support local food banks in other ways—whether through direct donations, volunteering, or participating in similar round-up campaigns at other retailers. The holidays remind us that community isn’t just about celebration—it’s about showing up for each other, especially when times are tough. Sometimes that looks like a grand gesture. Sometimes it’s as simple as rounding up to the nearest dollar.About Ollie’s Bargain Outlet
Ollie’s is a leading off-price retailer specializing in brand name closeout merchandise and excess inventory. With 613 stores across 34 states, the company’s mission is to sell “Good Stuff Cheap®” at prices up to 70% below traditional retailers. Learn more at ollies.com. For more stories about people making a difference in the community, whether it’s locally or globally, visit our Stories of Change section.Sources: Looking for more ways to support families facing food insecurity? Visit your local food bank’s website to learn about donation opportunities, volunteer shifts, and community programs.
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Food and Beverage
Win Busy Weeknights with a One-Pan Meal
Skip the holiday cooking stress with this easy Cheesy Spinach Chicken Bake. Ready in 30 minutes using rotisserie chicken, this one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights and easily adapts with broccoli or cauliflower swaps.

Win Busy Weeknights with a One-Pan Meal
(Family Features) If the holiday season has you avoiding the kitchen at all costs, a one-pan weeknight meal that’s equal parts filling, satisfying and simple can let you spend more time with loved ones and less time at the counter. Turn to Cheesy Spinach Chicken Bake that can easily be adapted to your family’s tastes by swapping out spinach for broccoli or cauliflower. To find more holiday season solutions, visit Culinary.net.
Cheesy Spinach Chicken Bake
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy” Servings: 4-6- 2 cups chopped rotisserie chicken
- 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon lemon thyme
- Heat oven to 375 F.
- Cut rotisserie chicken and spinach into bite-sized pieces. In baking dish, mix chicken and spinach with ricotta cheese.
- Add mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder and lemon thyme. Mix well then bake 30 minutes.
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Beverages
Three Legends Unite: HexClad and Still G.I.N. Drop Game-Changing Cocktail Shaker
Gordon Ramsay, Dr. Dre, and Snoop Dogg unite for the HexClad x Still G.I.N. Cocktail Shaker. Premium design meets cultural innovation in this $99 limited-edition collaboration available now.
Last Updated on December 7, 2025 by Daily News Staff
Hexclad, Still G.I.N. Unveil First-Ever Collaboration, Bringing Gordon Ramsay, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg Together For A Next-Gen Cocktail Shaker
Three Legends Unite: HexClad and Still G.I.N. Drop Game-Changing Cocktail Shaker
When Gordon Ramsay Meets Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg, Magic Happens
In a collaboration that nobody predicted but everyone’s talking about, HexClad and Still G.I.N. by Dre and Snoop just dropped something special: a cocktail shaker that’s equal parts precision engineering and cultural statement. This isn’t just another bar tool. It’s the first time Gordon Ramsay, Dr. Dre, and Snoop Dogg have joined forces, bringing together HexClad’s revolutionary cookware expertise with Still G.I.N.’s modern approach to premium spirits. The result? A next-gen cocktail shaker that’s as functional as it is iconic.Design That Demands Attention
The HexClad x Still G.I.N. Cocktail Shaker was crafted by celebrated industrial designer Ini Archibong, who pulled inspiration from two distinct visual languages: the striking geometry of the Still G.I.N. bottle and HexClad’s signature hexagon pattern. The fusion creates something modern, sculptural, and unmistakably premium. But this isn’t just about looks. The shaker features:- Double-wall, vacuum-insulated stainless steel that keeps your cocktails ice-cold without dilution
- Hex-textured exterior for a luxe grip and visual edge
- Discreet measurement markers inside the cap for precision pours every time
Where Innovation Meets Culture
“This collaboration bridges innovation, culture, and craftsmanship in a way that feels like a true expression of both brands,” said Danny Winer, HexClad CEO and Co-Founder. “Gordon, Dre, and Snoop each set their own bar for excellence, and bringing their worlds together through this product is something we’re incredibly proud of.” Patrick Halbert, CEO of By Dre and Snoop, echoed that sentiment: “What connects Still G.I.N. and HexClad is a commitment to design, innovation, and products that actually perform. We built our gin to be supremely mixable, whether you’re making classic gin cocktails or using it in something unexpected. This shaker captures that same versatility and attention to detail.”The Campaign: Cooking Meets Beats
To launch the collaboration, Gordon Ramsay and Dr. Dre will star in a dynamic commercial spot created by KODE MEDIA and directed by Peter Franklyn Banks. The ad draws clever parallels between culinary craft and musical artistry, blending humor with the shared ethos of both brands: rebellion, innovation, and excellence.Get Yours Before They’re Gone
Available exclusively at HexClad.com in both Gold and Chrome finishes for $99, the HexClad x Still G.I.N. Cocktail Shaker is now shipping to the US, Canada, UK, Germany, and Australia. Just in time for the holidays, this is the gift that’ll make any home bartender’s season. Whether you’re shaking up a classic gin martini or experimenting with modern cocktail creations, this shaker is engineered to perform while carrying the energy of three cultural icons who’ve never settled for ordinary.Still G.I.N
About the Brands
HexClad has been redefining modern cooking since 2016 with its patented hybrid technology that combines stainless steel with nonstick performance. Named to the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies from 2023-2025, the LA-based brand has built a passionate global following by empowering cooks with products that break rules and challenge convention. By Dre and Snoop launched in 2024 with the innovative Gin & Juice canned cocktail line, followed by Still G.I.N., their first pure premium bottled spirit. Still G.I.N. took home Masters Medal honors at the 2025 Gin Masters Awards, proving that when legends collaborate, excellence follows. Distributed nationally by Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, both products pay homage to the duo’s cultural legacy while pushing spirits innovation forward.Ready to elevate your cocktail game? Head to HexClad.com and grab this limited-edition shaker before it’s gone. Because when three legends come together, you don’t wait—you shake things up. Visit: https://dreandsnoop.com/products/still-gin
At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.
Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/
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