Your Guide to being a TXHH Chili Chef!
We’re so excited to have you join us for this year’s Texas Humane Heroes Chili Cook-Off! Get ready for a fun day of competition, community, and plenty of chili.
Below you’ll find everything you need to know for event day:
Chili Requirements
- Prepare at least 5+ gallons of chili (many chefs have run out in the past).
- Include any toppings/sides you’d like in your tasting cups.
- Each team registration ($30) includes two wristbands.
- Prepare 5 cups for the judges when your team is called to stage.
- Please only serve chili to attendees wearing wristbands—that means they’ve purchased a ticket.
Set-Up & Arrival
- Set-up begins at 8:00am.
- Drive-in cut-off: Vehicles must drive through the breezeway by 11:00am to unload. No vehicles allowed after that time.
- Health department inspection: Between 12:00–12:30pm. Your chili doesn’t need to be finished, but your health code set-up must be ready.
- Be fully ready to serve by 12:45pm.
Health Code Requirements (must have)
- Tarp on the ground (provided by TXHH) — must be placed before you set up.
- Canopy/tent — required, with weights or stakes to secure.
- Wash buckets in your station at all times (TXHH provides pans & water).
- Chili pot with lid.
- Serving utensils.
- Paper towels.
Station Extras (recommended, not required)
- Chairs, tablecloth, décor, and a team name sign/display.
- Extension cord (if you need power).
- Promotional items or giveaways.
TXHH Provides:
- One table.
- Tarp (for the ground)
- Hand washing stations.
- Small serving cups & tasting spoons.
- Access to electricity (bring crockpot/serving dish if needed).
Tasting & Judging Rules
- Starting at 1:00pm teams will be called to the stage in 5 minute increments.
- Judges’ Tasting: Teams will be called one at a time. When notified, prepare 5 cups of chili and bring them to the judging stage.
- People’s Choice: Attendees will walk around tasting chili. Please only serve guests wearing a wristband.
- Awards will be announced at the end of the event!
- What are the prizes up for grabs you ask?
- Judges Choice: $500 cash prize, two event aprons, a TXHH tote bag with a grillers bundle of prizes inside
- People’s Choice: $300 cash prize, two event aprons, a TXHH tote bag with a grillers bundle of prizes inside
- Judges Choice Runner up: $100 cash prize and a small griller bundle
- People’s Choice Runner up: $100 cash prize and a small griller bundle
