KIDS BBQ CHAMPIONSHIP Returns to Food Network, 5/1

KIDS BBQ CHAMPIONSHIP is back for season two with an updated format, more kid grill masters and new co-host Damaris Phillips joining returning co-host Eddie Jackson to lead the fiery action. This season, each episode finds four young chefs entering the outdoor kitchen for two rounds of red-hot challenges and the most successful competitor wins $10,000 and BBQ glory. With cooking challenges from baby back ribs and hearty chuck wagon meals to bison and classic pork and beans, the eight episodes also feature some of the biggest names in BBQ as guest judges, including Shannon Ambrosio, Diva Q, Jess Pryles, Roger Mooking, Kent Rollins and Michael Mixon. Kids BBQ Championship premieres Monday, May 1st at 8pm ET/PT on Food Network.

"The contestants may be small, but they have big grill skills - this isn't your parent's BBQ competition," said Didi O'Hearn, Senior Vice President Programming, Food Network and Cooking Channel. "The outdoor battles are fun, fast-paced and family-friendly."

Southern spitfire Damaris Phillips won season nine of Food Network Star, leading the Louisville native to her own daytime series Southern at Heart. She graduated from Jefferson Community and Technical College with a degree in Culinary Arts and then taught at the same school inspiring up-and-coming chefs to follow their dreams. One of five kids, Damaris learned to cook at an early age and was responsible for cooking one night a week for her large family. Damaris' modern twist on Southern classics and her signature wit pack a one-two punch in the kitchen.

Food Network Star season eleven winner Eddie Jackson is a former NFL player turned private chef, food truck owner and personal trainer. In 2015, he proved to be the ultimate culinary champion during Star, known for his charismatic personality, charm under pressure and spectacular cooking skills. Eddie's unique take on food combines his southern background with his passion for rich bold flavors. He has appeared on Food Network shows including BBQ Blitz, Chopped, Clash of the Grandmas and Christmas at Bobby's.

Viewers can meet the competitors and see fiery highlights as fearless kids man the grills at FoodNetwork.com/KidsBBQ and weigh in on their favorite moments on social media using the hashtag #KidsBBQ.

Kids BBQ Championship is produced by Lucky 8 TV and Turn Card Content.

Image courtesy of Food Network