Rapid City, SD – The iconic Hotel Alex Johnson is set to start a new culinary tradition in the Black Hills. On Sunday, November 15, the hotel’s ballroom will host its inaugural Chili Bowl Competition, featuring chefs from restaurants throughout the region.
From 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., participants will vie for awards and prize money in three categories: Best Heat, Best Flavor, and Best Overall. The event is designed to foster friendly rivalry among local cooks while highlighting the growing food scene that many residents and visitors are beginning to recognize.
Local chefs get a stage to shine
Executive Chef Joshua Dewitt, who oversees the hotel’s dining operations, sees the Chili Bowl as more than a contest—it’s a stepping stone toward positioning Rapid City as a food‑tourism hub. “Right now in Rapid City, there’s so much of an influx of cooking and care for the food that I haven’t seen while doing this the last decade,” Dewitt said. He believes events like this can draw food‑loving travelers to the area, complementing the city’s already strong tourism draw.
Tickets and community involvement
Tickets are available online at AlexJohnson.com under the events tab. The hotel encourages families, tourists, and local residents to attend, enjoy the flavors, and support the participating restaurants.
Beyond the competition, the Chili Bowl aligns with broader efforts by local business leaders to diversify Rapid City’s economy. By showcasing regional cuisine, the event adds cultural depth to the city’s attractions, which already include outdoor recreation, historic sites, and a vibrant arts scene.
Why the Chili Bowl matters for the Black Hills
The Black Hills region has long been known for its natural beauty, but its culinary reputation is still emerging. The Chili Bowl offers a platform for chefs to experiment, share recipes, and attract media attention that can translate into increased patronage for their establishments.
Local restaurant owners have expressed enthusiasm. One participant, who preferred to remain unnamed, noted that the competition provides “a rare opportunity to put our dishes in front of a wider audience without the usual marketing costs.”
Looking ahead
Hotel Alex Johnson hopes the Chili Bowl will become an annual fixture, potentially expanding to include additional categories such as vegetarian or heritage recipes. Dewitt added that the hotel is already exploring partnerships with local farms and producers to further integrate the region’s agricultural strengths into future events.
For now, the focus remains on delivering a memorable first edition that celebrates the flavors of the Black Hills and encourages residents to take pride in their culinary heritage.
Original reporting: KOTA (Gray) – local — read the source article.
