You could smell the freshly baked biscuits and melted butter. You could feel the tension in the room. You could hear a pin drop. Then the timer started.

That's how I'd describe the annual Bojangles Biscuit Maker Finals, where the Charlotte-based chain's top bakers raced to create scratch-made biscuits for a chance to compete at the Bojangles Franchise Convention in Florida. For many competitors, earning a spot in the finals represents months — or even years — of perfecting one of Bojangles' most iconic menu items.

A woman in a red shirt, black cap, and white apron picking biscuit dough off a table. — Maria Dimas of Conover drew a crowd of spectators during her timed run. | Photo by CLTtoday

Inside the Bojangles Support Center in South Charlotte, 16 biscuit makers from restaurants across the country had less than seven minutes to mix, knead, roll, cut, and bake 47 biscuits. Every batch was judged on speed, appearance, height, width, color, and overall quality.

Editor Maria here. I've attended plenty of sporting events and even competed in my share of tournaments. The tension and camaraderie inside the test kitchen felt every bit as intense.

"The nerves are high. They care a lot," Director of Ops Support and Communication Mike Morris told CLTtoday. "They're very passionate about biscuits and about making their franchisees proud and their company proud. These judges and biscuit makers love biscuits like I've never seen."

At the end of the competition, the finalists and runners-up got a standing ovation. | Photo via Bojangles

After the timers stopped and the judging wrapped up, six bakers advanced to the finals:

Leticia Garcia, Apex, NC
Maria Dimas, Conover, NC
Lindsey Mangold, Knoxville, TN
Eva Gonzales, Marion, NC
Carter Hoskinson, Sanford, FL
Edith Chavez, Yadkinville, NC

Along with bragging rights, each finalist earned a trip to Walt Disney World in Orlando. Fun fact: Maria is making a return to the finals, while Edith is a former Biscuit Maker champion looking to reclaim the title.