BIRMINGHAM, Ala.– Jack’s Family Restaurants (Jack’s), recently named Mekenze Wilson of Dodge City, Alabama, the champion of its 25th Annual Biscuit Bake-Off. In addition to the title of “Jack’s Biscuit Bake-Off Champion 2024,” Wilson earned a $1,500 prize.
The employee competition culminated in a final event on Sept. 19 at Jack’s Home Office, featuring eight regional finalists. WBRC FOX-6 Anchor Jeh Jeh Pruitt served as emcee, with judging panelists including American Idol Winner Taylor Hicks, WBRC FOX-6 Anchor Russell Jones, Regions Bank Executive
Leadership Member Joel Stephens, Jack’s COO Dana Taylor, Miss Alabama Organization President Nan Teninbaum and Miss Hoover Emma Terry. Contestants were evaluated on biscuit height, diameter, pan color consistency and overall taste.
“At Jack’s, we take pride in hand-making our biscuits fresh each morning,” said CEO Todd Bartmess. “The excitement and participation in this event highlight our employees’ commitment to delivering the best for themselves and our customers.”
Jack’s Biscuit Bake-Off, established in 1999, features a four-round competition: store, area, regional and final levels. After winning their store competitions, 51 area bake-off winners were narrowed to eight finalists: Tammy Head (Runner-up from Jack’s Reform, Alabama, earning $500), Amy Hester (Jack’s Ripley, Mississippi), Melinda Martin (Jack’s Oxford, Alabama), Agnes Orum (Jack’s Northern Bypass, Montgomery, Alabama), Angelia Renda (Jack’s Trussville, Alabama), Niena Thomas (Jack’s Andalusia, Alabama), Dorothy Whetzler (Jack’s Warner Robins, Georgia) and Mekenze Wilson (Jack’s Dodge City, Alabama).
Wilson will be prominently featured and celebrated on a billboard in Dodge City.
“I’m bouncing off the walls! I cannot contain my excitement for everything that just happened. It feels like a dream,” said Wilson.
