Fernando González Joins the James Beard Chef Bootcamp

This spring, Fernando González represented 2fifty Texas BBQ at the James Beard Foundation's Chef Bootcamp for Policy and Change.

We believe great barbecue starts long before the fire is lit.

Fernando González, pitmaster at 2fifty Texas BBQ, was selected for the Spring 2026 James Beard Chef Bootcamp a program focused on leadership, advocacy, and the future of the food industry.

The Bootcamp brings together chefs from across the country for conversations around food policy, sustainability, public voice, and community impact.

For Fernando, it was an opportunity to learn, share, and represent the perspective behind 2fifty: Central Texas barbecue with Salvadoran roots, cooked every day on all-wood offset smokers.

He returned with new ideas, new relationships, and even more intention behind the work we do in Riverdale and DC.

If you stop by this week, the fire is still going.