Mugshots Grill & Bar closed out 2025 by launching its first-ever Culinary Olympics, a quarter-long, internal competition designed to boost operational excellence and culinary standards. This Olympic-style initiative engaged all 21 Mugshots locations in a quest to elevate teamwork and sharpen the brand’s signature quality.
Raising the Bar Through Competition
The Culinary Olympics put restaurant teams to the test through rigorous evaluations and high-energy activities. To secure a spot at the top, locations were assessed on critical operational fundamentals, including:
-
Food Safety and Cleanliness: Maintaining pristine kitchen environments and strict safety protocols.
-
Operational Fundamentals: Adhering to precise line checks, proper food cuts, and storage accuracy.
-
Consistency and Freshness: Ensuring every dish meets temperature standards and procedural requirements.
-
Creative Innovation: Developing new menu concepts to showcase culinary creativity.
Beyond technical skills, teams participated in fast-paced physical challenges designed to test stamina, speed, and collaboration in a high-pressure environment.
The Road to Victory
After months of intense evaluation, four locations emerged as finalists: Pearl, Gulfport, Florence, and Meridian. While the competition was close, the Meridian team ultimately earned the top honor for their outstanding commitment to the Mugshots standard.
“The Culinary Olympics were about more than competition, they were about raising the bar across every location,” said Shane Waller, Franchise Operations Director for Mugshots Grill & Bar. “This initiative challenged our teams to stay sharp, work together, and take pride in executing the Mugshots standard at the highest level.”
Owner Ron Savell praised the commitment and enthusiasm shown throughout the competition:
“Our teams showed up in a big way,” Savell said. “This was a fun, motivating experience that highlighted the talent, dedication, and culture behind our brand. Congratulations to Meridian on a well-earned win, and to all of our locations for embracing the challenge.”
A New Annual Tradition
Following the success of the 2025 event, Mugshots Grill & Bar plans to make the Culinary Olympics an annual tradition. The initiative will continue to serve as a cornerstone for strengthening franchise operations and reinforcing the company’s dedicated team culture.
For more information about the brand and its locations, visit MugshotsGrillAndBar.com.