Restaurant Application

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THE ANCIENT CITY CHILI CLASSIC

Restaurant Division Competition Application

Sunday, January 31st, 2027 | 12 PM–5 PM

The Carriage House at House of Assembly Events | St. Augustine, Florida

Thank you for your interest in competing in the Restaurant Division of The Ancient City Chili Classic!

We’re bringing together restaurants from across Northeast Florida for an afternoon celebrating great chili, cold drinks, bluegrass, artisan makers, and a little friendly culinary competition.

Restaurants will compete for the title of:

🏆 BEST CHILI IN NORTHEAST FLORIDA

Competitors will also be eligible for additional judged awards, including

Best Traditional Chili
Best Spicy Chili
Most Creative Chili
Best Booth & Team Spirit
People’s Choice Award (attendee-voted)

Please complete the application below.

Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance. Gather & Glow Events will review applications and curate the competition to create a diverse and exciting lineup of participating restaurants.

RESTAURANT INFORMATION

Restaurant Name

Restaurant Address

Restaurant Phone

Restaurant Website

If no website available, write NONE

Restaurant Instagram and/or Facebook page

Tell us about your restaurant.

Give us a brief description of your restaurant, its food, personality, or what makes it special. This may be used in event marketing and promotional materials.

PRIMARY CONTACT

First name

Last name

Role/Position

What is your role with the restaurant?

Cell Phone

COMPETITION INFORMATION

Who Will Represent Your Restaurant?

Please tell us the name & position of who will be representing your restaurant at the Chili Classic.

Examples: Executive Chef, Chef de Cuisine, Owner, General Manager, Culinary Team, etc.

Has Your Restaurant Participated in a Chili Competition Before?

Yes

If Yes, Tell Us About It

Please tell us about any previous chili competitions your restaurant has participated in.

Has Your Restaurant or Culinary Team Won Any Culinary Awards?

If applicable, tell us about any notable culinary awards, competitions, titles, or recognition you've received.

CHILI SERVICE & EQUIPMENT

IMPORTANT FOOD PREPARATION INFORMATION

All chili and garnishes must be completely prepared off-site and arrive at the event ready to serve.

On-site cooking or food preparation will not be permitted.

Water access at the venue is extremely limited and cannot be relied upon for competition operations. A small venue kitchen may be available for limited use before or after the event, but it will not be available for ongoing food preparation or service during the event.

Additional food service and setup requirements will be provided to accepted competitors.

How Will You Keep Your Chili Warm During the Event? Please select the method you anticipate using.

Sterno / Chafing Dishes

Electric Food Warmer

Other Method

Will Your Booth Require Access to Electricity ?

Yes

If Yes, Please Describe Your Electrical Needs.

Please tell us what equipment you plan to use and, if known, the approximate wattage.

Example: “One electric chafing dish — approximately 500 watts.” or "String lights, two sets, and 1 heating lamp"

TELL US THE WHY

In a few sentences tell us why do you want to compete in The Ancient City Chili Classic?

MARKETING & PROMOTION

Restaurant Logo

Please upload a high-resolution version of your restaurant logo. PNG format is preferred.

Restaurant / Team Photo: Upload a high-resolution photo of your restaurant, chef, team, or another image you'd like us to consider using in event promotion.

Additional Social Media Handles - If there are specific chef, owner, restaurant, or team accounts you'd like us to tag when promoting your participation, please list them here.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Is there anything else we should know? Tell us anything else that may be helpful as we plan for your participation.

APPLICATION FEE

Restaurant Division Competition Entry: $175

Your competition entry includes:

Official entry into the Restaurant Division
Dedicated competition space
Eligibility for all Restaurant Division awards
Professional judging
Eligibility for the Best Chili in Northeast Florida title
Eligibility for People’s Choice Award
Restaurant recognition in event marketing and promotional materials
Inclusion on the event website and/or program
Opportunity for additional promotional recognition associated with the competition

Please note: Competition entry does not guarantee a specific booth location, electrical access, or other special accommodations unless specifically confirmed by Gather & Glow Events.

EVENT & COMPETITOR AGREEMENT

By submitting this application, I acknowledge that:

I am authorized to submit this application on behalf of the restaurant.
I understand that submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance into The Ancient City Chili Classic.
I understand that all chili and garnishes must be prepared off-site and arrive ready to serve.
I understand that on-site cooking or food preparation will not be permitted.
I understand that my restaurant may be required to provide appropriate food-service licenses, permits, certifications, insurance, or other documentation as applicable.
I understand that participating restaurants must follow all applicable health, safety, fire, licensing, venue, and event requirements.
I agree to follow the rules and guidelines provided by Gather & Glow Events and the event venue.
I agree, that upon acceptance in the competition, I will pay the entrance fee of $175 within 3 days or forfeit my spot.

I agree to the above terms.

Signature

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WHAT HAPPENS AFTER YOU APPLY?

Once applications have been reviewed, selected restaurants will receive a Competitor Acceptance Email with a payment link, no later than December 1st. After payment is recieved you will get a Confirmation Form via email with additional information and requirements. The form must be turned in by Decmber 20th.

That form will provide information and also collect details such as:

Competition chili name
Chili description
Ingredients and allergen information
Garnishes
Serving details
Exact equipment needs
Sterno/chafing dish requirements
Electrical requirements
Final team information
Additional photos and marketing information
Competition-day logistics

We can't wait to see what you bring to the table!

Gather & Glow Events

Where Good Vibes Gather.

hello@gatherandglowevents.fun