The Ivy Tech Community College 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’s Choice Award and Judge’s 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’s most anticipated fall food events.
Celebrating Ivy Tech Culinary Excellence
Ivy Tech’s 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’s thriving food and hospitality industry.
“Events like the Chili Cook-Off show how Ivy Tech students transition from the classroom to the community,” said Brent Spring, chair of Chili Cook Off for the ACF and retired program chair of Culinary Arts at Ivy Tech. “Ivy Tech students learn not only technique but leadership, service, and collaboration — and those qualities are what helped them win last year and will make them strong professionals for years to come.”
Ivy Tech Alumni Competing in 2025
This year’s 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’s Chili Cook-Off include:
👩🍳 April Howell, Cultivate
👨🍳 Piper Tobias, Wawasee High School
👨🍳 Josh Amador, Hotel Elkhart
👩🍳 Laquisa Jackson, Soulful Kitchen
👨🍳 Carlos Casadio, Bistro 933
👩🍳 Hope Rogers, Four Leaf Catering
👨🍳 William Sanchez, Notre Dame Campus Dining
👨🍳 Michael Horvath, Craft One Half
👨🍳 John Fitch, Penn High School
👨🍳 Brandon Smithson, Four Winds Casino
👨🍳 Cheri Middleton, Notre Dame Campus Dining (organizer)
These alumni represent the strength of Ivy Tech’s culinary network — 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 Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College 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.
