INDIANAPOLIS, IN--(Marketwired - Apr 2, 2014) - Inspired cooks with an innovative food or beverage business concept or early-stage business are invited to enter this year's Hottest Kitchen Entrepreneur Challenge, a regional contest to find Indiana's next great food entrepreneur. The Challenge is sponsored by Ivy Tech Community College and by Reliable Water Services a statewide provider of commercial water heaters, boilers and water softeners.
This year's contest features a start-up category for those with a new food business idea and a new category for early-stage food entrepreneurs who have launched but are looking for help to get to the next level.
Beginning April 2, aspiring chefs, home cooks and early stage food entrepreneurs throughout Indiana can enter online at www.hotwater247.com by submitting a short application and uploading a photo of their recipe or product concept. The site has contest rules and details.
The adult grand prize winner in each category will receive:
- $2,000 in seed money from Reliable to start their business
- Expert consultation and $1,000 scholarship from Ivy Tech Community College
- $1,250 in kitchen design services from Zesco.com
- Navigator business plan and marketing plan software from ISBDC
Finalists will be selected in late May to participate in a final judging event at Ivy Tech Corporate College and Culinary Center, 2820 North Meridian St., on Wed., July 30th.
"Whether you are just starting with a new concept or have already launched your food business, this contest could give you the culinary boost you need to succeed," said Thomas England, Culinary Arts Program Coordinator for Ivy Tech Community College.
Judges include:
- Scott Wise, president & CEO, Scotty's Brewhouse
- Carrie Abbott, owner, Newfangled Confections
- Ian Kille, executive chef, MCL Restaurant & Bakery
- Erin Edds, co-owner, Hoosier Momma
- Brian Shapiro, owner, Shapiro's Deli
- Heather Tallman, owner, Kitchen Sink Media, Inc.
- Adrienne Nicolosi, General Manager, Rick's Café Boatyard
- Daniel Opalesky, chef, Rick's Café Boatyard
- Bill Eckrich, owner, Le Peep Restaurants
"Last year's winner, Gustavo Perrotta, is running Perrotta's Kitchen supper club at Indy's Kitchen and is booked through Fall," said Lynne Robinson, President of Reliable Water Services. "We can't wait to see the innovative concepts this year's entrants bring to the table."
For more information and to enter, visit Reliable Water Services at www.hotwater247.com.
Contact Information:
For More Information, Contact:
Christel Henke
414-587-2236