Tips & Hacks for Outdoor Cooking from the FCWO Team

With several grills across our branches and over 5,500 plates served last year, it’s safe to say our team knows their way around a smoker. Many of our employees are seasoned cooks with tried-and-true advice to help you make the most of your summer cookouts.

Here are some of our favorite tips, tricks, and flavor-packed ideas to keep your outdoor cooking game strong all season long — enjoy!

• Spritz for Juicier Meat: Spritz meat with apple juice, lemon juice, or Coke while cooking to tenderize and keep it juicy.
• Let It Rest: After cooking, let meat sit for 7–10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to settle, resulting in more flavorful, moist meat.
• Wrap While Smoking: For the last 2–3 hours of smoking, wrap your meat in butcher paper to prevent burning. This also helps create a delicious bark and smoke ring.
• Burger Hack: Keep burgers from drying out by adding beef broth to your finishing pan while they’re holding warm before serving.