Indiana Cooks Invited to Enter Food Entrepreneur Challenge

INDIANAPOLIS, IN--(Marketwired - Apr 2, 2013) - Adult and teen cooks are invited to enter the Hottest Kitchen Entrepreneur Challenge, a regional contest to find the next great food entrepreneur. The Challenge is sponsored by Indy's Kitchen, an Indianapolis food business incubator, and by Reliable Water Services, a statewide provider of commercial water heaters, boilers and water softeners.

In addition to the adult category, Indiana teens ages 14-18 are invited to enter for a chance to kick-start their culinary dream career. Beginning April 2, adult and teen aspiring chefs and home cooks throughout Indiana can enter online at www.hotwater247.net 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 will receive:

• $2,500 in seed money from Reliable to start their business
• $500 of professional cookware
• Expert consultation and commercial kitchen time from Indy's Kitchen www.indyskitchen.com valued at $500.

The teen grand prize winner will receive $500 in seed money from Reliable, a culinary course from Ivy Tech Community College and cooking classes at Indy's Kitchen. Finalists will be selected in late May to participate in a final judging event at Indy's Kitchen on Friday, June 14^th.

"Whether you are just starting on your cooking journey or have been in the kitchen for years, this challenge offers a real boost for someone with an amazing food business idea," said Linda Gilkerson, owner of Indy's Kitchen.

Judges for the contest include:

• Ian Kille, executive chef, MCL Restaurant & Bakery
• Kris Parmele, owner, Happy Go Foodie
• Thomas England, Culinary Arts Program Coordinator for Ivy Tech Community College
• Scott Wise, president & CEO, Scotty's Brewhouse
• Dwight Simmons, executive chef, Indy Star Chefs
• Mary Beth Poe, owner & president, MBP Distinctive Catering
• Brett Fife, executive chef, Lindey's Restaurant

"Last year's winner is already on area market shelves so we know this process really makes a difference for a new entrepreneur who has an original food business idea," 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.net.