A local Tomball business owner will soon face off against some of Houston's top chefs.

Caroline Cobell of Caroline's Kitchen was named as a finalist in the Texas Renaissance Festival's inaugural Royal Chef Showdown earlier this week.

"I'm really excited about it," Cobell said. "It's been a long time coming to get here."

Narrowed down from hundreds of applicants from across the state, Cobell was one of 10 semi-finalists, which was later narrowed down to six finalists who will face off in a final competition and judging in July. The winner will be named in mid-August and will receive a $10,000 grand prize, season passes to the festival and will have their food served throughout the season.

Although Cobell said she is not allowed to reveal what her competition dish is, she has gained several regular customers at her tamale eatery, Caroline's Kitchen, and got her start at the Tomball Farmer's Market with an inventory of cupcakes, sweets and other baked goods.

Cobell said this has been an exciting year for her, between opening her own storefront on Tomball's Main Street and winning a Local Hero award for best farmers market vendor from Edible Houston.

Read more about Cobell in Community Impact Newspaper's March interview with her here.