Why does Emeril say Bam?

Answer by  user74 (33)

To jolt a camera man back awake who would fall asleep during taping when Emeril first started filming his show.

Answer by  tsuerob (175)

Emeril's catch phrase BAM started as long hours of filming back to back episodes due to the fact that he also had resturants to run. With the long hour and the crew getting tired he would shout BAM to startle everyone awake.