BOCA RATON, FL — A chef behind the menu at Gary Rack’s Farmhouse in Boca Raton is bringing a Food Network competition dish back to South Florida.
Chef Demetrio Zavala, Vice President of Culinary for Gary Rack’s Farmhouse, appeared on Guy Fieri’s new Food Network competition series Flavortown Food Fight in Season 1, Episode 14, “Egg Day,” according to the restaurant group.
The episode premiered Wednesday, June 3, 2026, and featured Zavala competing against chef Leo Davila in an egg-focused battle hosted by Fieri. Judges Jonathon Sawyer and Nancy Silverton determined the winner, according to the announcement.
For the challenge, Zavala was tasked with creating a burger using canned black beans and egg while cooking from food trucks. His dish was a chilaquiles-spiced smash burger with chimichurri mayo, pepper Jack cheese and a sunny-side-up egg on a brioche bun.
Gary Rack’s Farmhouse says Zavala plans to feature the burger as a future special, giving local diners a chance to try a version of the dish tied to his Flavortown Food Fight appearance.
“Any chef knows what it means to be asked to compete on a Food Network stage, especially with Guy Fieri,” Zavala said in the announcement. “For this challenge, I wanted to build something that felt fun, bold, and full of flavor while still making the required ingredients feel intentional. The canned black beans and egg weren’t just add-ons. They became part of the identity of the burger.”
The Food Network appearance comes as Gary Rack’s Farmhouse prepares to open its newest location in Coral Springs at 3314 N. University Drive. The restaurant group says the Coral Springs restaurant is scheduled to open June 15, 2026.
Zavala oversees menu development, kitchen operations and culinary direction for the Gary Rack’s Farmhouse locations in Boca Raton and Delray Beach, as well as the Coral Springs outpost, according to the announcement.
A Delray Beach native and longtime South Florida chef, Zavala joined restaurateur Gary Rack’s restaurant group in 2022 as Director of Culinary before becoming Vice President of Culinary, according to the restaurant group.
His television credits include Chopped, Chopped: Beat Bobby Flay, Beat Bobby Flay, Guy’s Grocery Games, Guy Fieri’s Tournament of Champions, Chopped: Beat the Judge, Chopped: Grudge Match and Flavortown Food Fight, according to the announcement.
Gary Rack’s Farmhouse describes Zavala as a six-time Chopped champion and says he identifies as one of only two Chopped Grand Champions.
Before joining Gary Rack’s Farmhouse, Zavala held chef, corporate culinary and management roles, including Corporate Executive Chef with PRG Hospitality and corporate culinary leadership with Shula’s Restaurants, according to the restaurant group.
The restaurant group has not yet announced a public date for when Zavala’s Flavortown Food Fight burger will be available as a special.
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