The grills are heating up, the gloves are off (oven mitts, too), and the smack talk is already smokin’. This Saturday, June 14, Porter’s Grilled returns to Riverton.
One of the crowd-favorite features of the event is the Grilled Competition, where local personalities battle it out on the grill. Each contestant is given mystery ingredients and a unique grill, from pint-sized to pro-level, and must craft the ultimate burger. It’s high-stakes, high-heat, and seriously fun to watch. The 2025 burger battle promises to be the tastiest showdown of the summer!
Let’s meet the fearless flame-fighters stepping up to the grill:
Chris Warren — The Rig-Side Chef
If you’ve ever eaten a five-star burger in the middle of nowhere, there’s a good chance Chris Warren made it. When he’s not reeling in fish or smoking his latest catch, Chris is manning the grill, the Blackstone, or the pizza oven at the job site. For the past two months, he’s been the heart of the hitch, cooking daily feasts for the crew with nothing but a morning grocery haul and a whole lot of skill. Whether it’s lunch on the rig or dinner for friends and family, Chris is always cooking up something delicious for the people he cares about. With 20 years of experience grilling in the oil fields, Chris has mastered the art of turning basic ingredients into belly-warming gold…rain, snow, or shine. He’s fed hungry roughnecks day in and day out, and now he’s ready to serve his signature style to the Grilled judges.
His warning?
“I’ve cooked up some of the finest lunches with the bare minimum in every type of weather Wyoming and Colorado have to offer. I take pride in serving a rare, unique breed of workers… the American Roughneck! I honestly feel like the other two contestants should just stick to selling houses and writing speeding tickets.”
Spencer Piplica — The Pitbull from Sonora
This real estate powerhouse isn’t just about buying and selling homes—he’s about owning the grill. Known for his weekend warrior skills behind a hot flame, Spencer brings flair, flavor, and full confidence to the cookoff. Spencer loves nothing more than firing up the grill, throwing on a juicy steak, and enjoying good food with great company. Whether he’s closing deals or cooking meals, he’s all in — and he’s ready to bring the heat to this year’s grilling competition!
His challenge to the competition?
“You want a grill king? Get a crown. You want the grill god? Step into the ring, err, the cookoff with Spencer P, the Pitbull from Sonora. When it’s all said and done, your propane tears and charcoal dreams won’t matter—because the only thing getting smoked this weekend is your pride.”
Jeff Manning — The Quarantine Cook
A longtime kitchen enthusiast and Riverton Police Department’s first Community Service Officer, Jeff’s cooking career started back in high school Home Ec and hasn’t let up since. It turned into a great way to meet girls. (My wife is the proof. I’ve been cooking for her for nearly 30 years!) During the pandemic, he became the “Quarantine Cook” on Facebook, whipping up meals and entertaining fans while the world stayed home. This weekend, he’s ready to flip more than just burgers—he’s flipping the script on who you thought could cook.
His advice for fellow grillers?
“I am willing to try anything, so everybody better bring their ‘A’ game!”
The Rest of the Sizzling Action
This weekend isn’t just about epic burgers—it’s a full-on Father’s Day celebration for the whole family:
- Free BBQ Lunch: Come hungry! Hot dogs and burgers will be served while supplies last.
- Dad Olympics: Dads will compete in hilarious mini-challenges like diaper changes and a dirty sock toss. The winner will take home a $500 Sinclair gas card, so expect some serious dad energy on display. 2nd place takes home a DeWalt Small Angle Grinder from Bloedorn Lumber in Riverton. Sign up here!
- Kids Carnival: Bounce house, games, and face painting to keep the little ones entertained.
- Father’s Day Challenge Cornhole Tournament: Head to Rotary Park (right in front of Porter’s) at 10:30 AM to register your dad/kid duo. Bags fly at 11!
- #WhatsGrillin Giveaway: Enter now to win a brand-new Weber G28 griddle, Pulse 2000 Electric Grill, a retro green Weber kettle, and other cool prizes. Enter the What’s Grillin’ contest by June 14th or at the event. Winners will be drawn AT the event and you don’t need to be present to win. Enter the sweepstakes here.
Don’t miss the action
📍 Porter’s in Riverton
📅 Saturday, June 14
🕚 11 AM – 3 PM
The burgers are bold. The competition is fierce. And the grill is always hot. We’ll see you there. Just follow the smoke and the sound of sizzling smack talk!
