Announcing the Winners!

Judges Red Chili: Team The Heat is On, Head Cook Chris Fabre

Judges Non-traditional Chili:  Team City of Zachary, Head Cook Courtney Day

Judges Salsa: Team Ring Sting Sting, Head Cook George Ragsdale

People's Choice Salsa: Team Last Place, Head Cook Todd Moses

People's Choice Chili:  Team Blue Chili's, Head Cook Mike White

Best Team Spirit: Bowls of Fire, Head Cook Leah Cole 

We spoke with Travis Hughes of Hughes Mechanical who was a member of Team The Heat Is On.

Not only did they win first prize in the Red Chili competition, but they also took third for salsa.

"We try to make a family friendly chili," Hughes explained. His head chili chef, Chris Fabre, wasn't interested in making a five-alarm chili, just a good, solid bowl that everyone could enjoy. That strategy paid off big time!

The Lane Foundation's  annual event supports its mission to help "support and facilitate the growth of the Medical Center.  After a forced break due to Covid, the event moved from Americana over to Downtown Zachary. 

Though Team The Heat Is On had success in both venues (this is their 3rd year taking the championship!) Hughes said, "I think it was a good move into the center of town. It helped with the overall community feel."

One thing's for sure, the event has become a Zachary institution with fierce competition between groups from the City of Zachary or the Zachary Fire Department. We congratulate all of the winners and can't wait to see what everyone cooks up next year!