Jacob Montgomery from the LongHorn Steakhouse in Cape Coral is a finalist in the restaurant chain’s Steak Master Series. PROVIDED

The grilling prowess of one Cape Coral chef will once again see him showcase his talents on a national stage.

Jacob Montgomery, a Cape resident and head chef at LongHorn Steakhouse on Pine Island Road, is set to compete in the seventh annual Steak Master Series.

Put on by LongHorn, the Steak Master Series is a national competition that gives LongHorn grill masters from around the country the chance to show their skills. Montgomery, who was a finalist in 2022, is back again and is one of just seven to make the last cut out of thousands. A champion will be crowned May 2 in Orlando in a one-day grill-off.

“It feels great,” Montgomery said. “I’m excited to be able to return and see some familiar faces.”

This “epic” culinary competition sees participants vie for the honor of being named series champion and a $15,000 grand prize. There are four rigorous rounds testing all aspects of grilling, with the finalists facing off against local, regional, divisional and national competition.

Grill masters are judged on the cook of the meat, temperature, seasoning, how it’s prepared and more.

Montgomery has worked his way up the ranks, starting at a fry cook and now, eight years later, is one of the best the LongHorn grill masters in the country.

“I was reluctant at first to start grilling, but the management team kept pushing me and believing I could be one of the best,” Montgomery said. “And they were right.

“I kept learning more and more and perfecting my craft, and it got me to where I am today.”

Montgomery said his favorite item on the menu is the salmon, he loves the culture at the restaurant and hopes one day to become a managing partner.

His top grilling tip?

To clean and sheen the grill.

And as for what he enjoys most about grilling, Montgomery said, “Just knowing that I served perfect, amazing, good food every single time. It brings a smile to my face. I know our guests are going to enjoy the food that I’ve cooked.”

While taking home the prize money would certainly be rewarding, for Montgomery, it’s more about the title of being the best in the nation.

“Taking home the grand prize would be amazing, but I’m more focused on that title of national champion,” Montgomery said. “The title means more to me than the $15,000.”

He also gave some advice to those that may be working in a kitchen now that are hesitant to step out of their comfort zone.

“Keep pushing yourself,” Montgomery said. “If it’s day-by-day, even shift-by-shift, just learn one new thing each day, and it can excel you in ways you couldn’t even imagine.”

The Steak Master Series recognizes LongHorn Steak-house’s commitment to quality while also celebrating the expertise of grill cooks across the brand’s more than 580 restaurants nationwide.