1. There is a $25 entry fee per team. This entry fee includes four team members. Any additional team member is $25 per person. Entry fee must be received by Friday, October 23, 2026. Please register early; space is limited.
2. Each team may enter one dish. Each team will receive 4 cook entry wristbands plus any additional cook wristbands that are purchased. Only team members with cook wristbands will be allowed in the Backyard before 11:00 a.m.
3. Team uniforms and tent decorations are encouraged but are not required. A panel of judges will select the team with the most festive uniforms and tent. The team selected will receive an award.
4. Teams must notify the Event Committee at the time of registration if any team member is a chef or professional cook.
5. Teams will not have access to the Brother Martin Food Service Kitchen at any time. A wash station will be available adjacent to the Ridley Center alongside the parking lot.
6. Teams will be provided with a 12 x 12 plot in the Backyard.
7. Teams are responsible for all ingredients, utensils, water, towels, cooking tools, tables, pits, grills, and stoves. Teams are required to have a self-sustained cooking station. EACH TEAM IS REQUIRED TO HAVE A FIRE EXTINGUISHER UNDER ITS TENT.
8. Food must be mostly prepared, cooked, and assembled on site.
9. Teams will have 30 minutes to set up the station and will have 3 hours to prepare the team’s dish. Once cooking begins, teams will not be allowed to bring in any other ingredients. Food prep has to be completed within the 3 hour time limit.
10. All cooking must be completed in a sanitary manner. These conditions are subject to inspection by the Event Committee, and failure to comply may result in disqualification. NO GLASS CONTAINERS will be allowed.
11. Teams must prepare and serve at least 300 sample- sized portions of the dish, including servings for all judges. Each dish will be donated for consumption at the event. Brother Martin will supply paper products and plasticware, which will be available at the supply tent.
12. The dish will be judged on taste by the panel of judges. One award will be presented to the teams that are named “Top Chef”, “Judges’ Choice 2nd Place”, and “Judges’ Choice 3rd Place”. A separate award will be presented to the team named “People’s Choice”.
13. Each team must have at least one representative present at the Cook’s Meeting on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. Plot assignments will be determined at this meeting. Each team will also receive its wristbands and ditty bags.

Teams will be allowed to enter the Backyard/Terrace at 7:00 a.m. and begin cooking at 8:00 a.m. on October 25. All dishes and brews must be ready at 11:00 a.m.

Deadline to enter: Friday, October 23, 2026.