Orchid Paulmeier
Hear Me Roar
November 2025 Issue
Photography (top and bottom-left) by Cassidy Dunn Photography
Career: HBIC One Hot Mama’s
Family: Husband: Michael Paulmeier
Kids: Decker, Maile, & Zoe Paulmeier
Hometown: Orland Park, IL
Current Town: Bluffton, SC
You have built a BBQ Empire in a stereotypical male dominated field; how have you managed to be successful?
Staying focused on daily success in this business is imperative. For me it includes consistency in the quality of my food, in my management style, and in being locked into my vision for One Hot Mama’s both now and in the future.
Has becoming a chef been a lifelong dream?
Have you had a mentor through it all?
It was my goal to open my own restaurant by the time I was 30 years old. Steve Carb, the OG of Hilton Head Restaurants and SERG Group, believed in me, and gave me the opportunity to shine and learn how to be a great restaurateur.
You’ve worked with Bobby Flay twice, “Next Food Network Star” in 2012 and “BBQ Brawl” earlier this year, and this time you were on his team.
We heard this is the No. 1 question you’re asked: Is Bobby Flay nice?
Yes! In his own Bobby Flay way, he is actually really funny and definitely knows what he is talking about. You can either listen and have success or not listen and hope for the best.
Over the years, how have you balanced
being a mom and a BBQ Boss at the same time?
Well… 1. My children all worked at Mama’s since they were very young, it was part of their everyday life growing up. 2. I rarely slept. 3. We made sure to eat dinner at the table at least three or four times a week, even if it was late, to just gather, catch up with each other, and have some real face time—not screen time.
Fun Fact:
The first Pink Partini ever (April 2005)
was at Marley’s Island Grille, the same building
where One Hot Mama’s HHI is now located.
How are you liking your new and improved location
that has so much SERG history?
WE LOVE IT! It was the perfect fit for the growth we needed. (We even have our own parking lot!) And the kitchen is three times bigger! What woman doesn’t love a bigger kitchen?
What makes you want to compete in reality cooking shows and what are a few things you’ve learned from your experiences on them?
I love the competition aspect, working with the Celebrity Chefs, and being in a completely different world than my everyday controlled chaos. The recognition it brings to One Hot Mama’s helps us build business, which keeps my team busy and happy!
What’s something about you that would surprise people?
I’ve never eaten a Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich.
When you’re not in the kitchen, what is your favorite
way to wind down or spend your free time?
I love thrift shopping, especially in this area. All of the local thrift stores are full of hidden gems and are for great organizations.
Do you have any wise words of advice to all the new,
up-and-coming chefs in the world?
Learn as much as you can through watching and listening to the people before you. Learn from both their mistakes and successes.
What’s something you would tell your 18-year-old self?
Travel the world first.
You are first generation American, as a native Filipino, will we be able to see any cultural influence or flair on One Hot Mama’s menu?
My Filipino influences have been in many of my sauces and grilling style. I love to use soy sauce, ginger, garlic, brown sugar, and I love grilled items that have great caramelization! But perhaps a Filipino Pop-Up is due in 2026.
What are you currently roaring about?
YOLO—You Only Live Once! My husband and I just became empty nesters—a few weeks ago. Now is the time to actually do the plans we have been talking and dreaming about. You can’t leave this life thinking “shoulda, woulda, coulda.”