CHEF CHRISTINA FITZGERALD - FIREWOMAN®
Born and raised in St. Louis, Christina Fitzgerald, now known as Firewoman®, discovered her passion for the culinary arts at an early age. While most kids were glued to cartoons on Sunday mornings, Christina was studying the techniques of Ina Garten and Paula Deen, dreaming of flavors and fire. As the only girl among seven siblings, she developed a competitive edge early on, channeling that drive into a standout culinary career.
After graduating from culinary school at the top of her class, Christina didn’t just excel—she dominated. As the captain of her culinary competition team with the American Culinary Federation (ACF), she led her team to numerous victories, cementing her reputation as a fierce competitor. That same determination landed her a coveted spot on Season 11 of Food Network Star, where she showcased her bold flavors and fearless approach to cooking.
From Kitchen to Pitmaster
After the show, Christina’s journey took an unexpected and fiery turn—she was introduced to the world of barbecue, and the rest is history. She joined forces with the Sugarfire Smokehouse team and went on to co-found Hi-Pointe Drive-In in 2016. The smash-hit burger joint quickly gained national recognition, earning the title of Best Burger in Missouri by Riverfront Times in 2018.
But Christina wasn’t just cooking—she was competing. She has been a guest chef and competitor in over 100 barbecue events across the U.S. and around the globe, bringing American barbecue to new heights. From Hogs for the Cause to Perth Yak Ales BBQ Competition, Brazil’s Churrascada, Meatstock Australia, The Kansas City Royal, Charleston Wine & Food Festival, Memphis in May, and the World Food Championship, Christina has racked up an impressive collection of top-ten and first-place finishes.
Firewoman®: A Name Earned
In 2021, Christina officially embraced the name Firewoman®, a title that reflects her expertise in the pit, her fiery personality, and her passion for pushing the limits of live-fire cooking. Whether she’s judging competitions, hosting events, serving as an ambassador for GMG Grills, or mentoring up-and-coming chefs, she continues to bring the sweet and the heat to every endeavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Christina is a devoted wife and mother to two children and two bulldogs, proving that she can juggle fire, family, and fierce competition—all with her signature wild enthusiasm and big heart. Wherever there’s smoke, there’s Firewoman®, ready to ignite the next challenge.