Atlanta resident Dale Boone defeated 25 other participants by eating 43 ribs in 8 minutes June 10 to take home the inaugural Texas Roadhouse rib-eating championship at the Pelham restaurant.

Boone, who is a World League of Competitive Eating champion, competes in more than 150 competitive eating events a year, yet he was still looking for more following Thursday’s event.

“I’m hungry,” Boone said sauce-smeared smile.

As the winner, Boone had his choice of prizes between free ribs for a year, free golf lessons and a Dremel power tool. Boone chose the power tool.

Thursday’s event, which coincided with Texas Roadhouse’s Ribfest in June, benefited the Ronald McDonald House, a charity near and dear to the hearts of the Texas Roadhouse staff.

“There are so many families, especially here in the county, that are in need of the Ronald McDonald House’s services,” said Texas Roadhouse store marketing director Kristina Young.

Pelham Mayor Don Murphy emceed the event, and Murphy said Texas Roadhouse is a vital part of the city in they way they interact and give back to the community they serve.

“It’s a fantastic thing they’re doing. This cause is a great cause,” Murphy said. “We are blessed to have so many great businesses, and they are one of the most involved businesses we have in the community. Anything we have going on in the community, they’re there.”