Against this backdrop of sizzling grills, vintage beer trucks, and Texas country tunes, the Western Midstream (WES) cooking team made its debut at the Permian Basin BBQ Cook-Off in spectacular fashion, claiming the coveted grand champion title. The team’s triumph wasn’t just about barbecue; it was about partnership and purpose. WES rose above the nearly 100 teams and turned victory into impact by donating the winning proceeds to the West Texas Food Bank.
The Permian Basin BBQ Cook-Off is a highly anticipated and influential industry event, hosted by Daniel Energy Partners. Designed as a premier open-air gathering for energy leaders, the event is a place where business connections happen over smoky pits and live music. This year’s 8th annual cook-off drew more than 5,900 attendees and nearly 100 cooking teams, all competing for bragging rights and the chance to give back to the community.
The official placings for WES in all four categories included:
- Overall Placing: Grand Champion
- Ribs: 3rd place
- Brisket: 10th place
- Wild Game: 17th place (featuring Nilgai Meatballs)
- Cocktails: 18th place (with a warming Hot Toddy)
- Total Score: 339.3712
Beyond the Competition
The cook-off is not only a culinary contest, but a celebration of community and collaboration. Guests enjoyed VIP lounges, wine gardens, cigar rollers, and live performances from Texas country stars, creating an atmosphere where industry connections thrive. Sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society, the event raised over $150,000 for charities, continuing a tradition of generosity that has surpassed $650,000 since its inception.
An inspiring highlight wrapped up the event when the WES cooking team members visited the West Texas Food Bank to personally deliver the news of the donation. This moment underscored WES’s commitment to giving back and living our core value of Partnership.
“At WES, we are driven by a passion to support our local non-profits and strengthen the communities where we live and work,” said Doug Armentor, a member of the WES cooking team. “Presenting the check of our winning proceeds to the West Texas Food Bank was a truly humbling and inspiring experience, a moment that really reminds us why it’s so important to give back.”
