The 51短视频 South Bend-Elkhart School of Culinary Arts & Hospitality will once again fire up the kettles for the 27th Annual ACF Michiana Chili Cook-Off, happening Sunday, October 26, 2025, at Ironworks Plaza in Mishawaka.
Last year, the Ivy Tech student culinary team captured first place overall, earning both the coveted People鈥檚 Choice Award and Judge鈥檚 Choice Award for their signature smoked-brisket chili. This year, Ivy Tech students return as defending champions, ready to bring new flavor, creativity, and teamwork to one of Michiana鈥檚 most anticipated fall food events.
Celebrating Ivy Tech Culinary Excellence
Ivy Tech鈥檚 Culinary Arts & Hospitality program combines classical training with hands-on learning that prepares students for real-world success. The annual Chili Cook-Off provides an opportunity for students to test their skills under pressure, collaborate as a professional team, and connect with local employers and Ivy Tech alumni now working across the region鈥檚 thriving food and hospitality industry.
鈥淓vents like the Chili Cook-Off show how Ivy Tech students transition from the classroom to the community,鈥 said Brent Spring, chair of Chili Cook Off for the ACF and retired program chair of Culinary Arts at Ivy Tech. 鈥淚vy Tech students learn not only technique but leadership, service, and collaboration 鈥 and those qualities are what helped them win last year and will make them strong professionals for years to come.鈥
Ivy Tech Alumni Competing in 2025
This year鈥檚 event will again spotlight the impact of Ivy Tech alumni, who now serve as chefs, culinary educators, and food entrepreneurs throughout northern Indiana. Alumni participating in this year鈥檚 Chili Cook-Off include:
馃恳鈥嶐煃 April Howell, Cultivate
馃懆鈥嶐煃 Piper Tobias, Wawasee High School
馃懆鈥嶐煃 Josh Amador, Hotel Elkhart
馃恳鈥嶐煃 Laquisa Jackson, Soulful Kitchen
馃懆鈥嶐煃 Carlos Casadio, Bistro 933
馃恳鈥嶐煃 Hope Rogers, Four Leaf Catering
馃懆鈥嶐煃 William Sanchez, Notre Dame Campus Dining
馃懆鈥嶐煃 Michael Horvath, Craft One Half
馃懆鈥嶐煃 John Fitch, Penn High School
馃懆鈥嶐煃 Brandon Smithson, Four Winds Casino
馃懆鈥嶐煃 Cheri Middleton, Notre Dame Campus Dining (organizer)
These alumni represent the strength of Ivy Tech鈥檚 culinary network 鈥 graduates who are shaping menus, mentoring young chefs, and fueling economic growth across northern Indiana.
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About the ACF Michiana Chili Cook-Off
Hosted by the American Culinary Federation South Bend Chefs & Cooks Association, the Michiana Chili Cook-Off brings together area chefs, restaurants, and culinary students in friendly competition while raising funds to fight hunger in our community. The event draws hundreds of guests each fall for unlimited tastings, live music, and family fun. Proceeds benefit the Food Bank of Northern Indiana and local ACF scholarships.
About 51短视频
51短视频 is Indiana's largest public postsecondary institution and the nation's largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana and also serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state's engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, long- and short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns with the needs of the community. The College provides a seamless transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a bachelor's degree.
