Indiana Challenge Searches for Best Food/Beverage Biz Concepts

INDIANAPOLIS, IN--(Marketwired - Apr 1, 2015) - Talented cooks with an inspired food or beverage business concept or early-stage business are invited to enter this year's Hottest Kitchen Entrepreneur Challenge, a regional contest to find Indiana's next great food entrepreneur. The Challenge is sponsored by Ivy Tech Community College and by Reliable Water Services, a statewide provider of commercial water heaters, boilers and water softeners.

This year's contest features a start-up category for those with a new food business idea and an early-stage category food entrepreneurs who have launched but are looking for help to get to the next level.

Beginning April 1, aspiring chefs, home cooks and early stage food entrepreneurs throughout Indiana can enter online at www.hotwater247.com 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 in each category will receive:

• $2,000 in seed money from Reliable to start their business
• Expert consultation and $1,000 scholarship from Ivy Tech Community College
• $250 shopping spree from Zesco.com, restaurant supply
• Navigator business plan and marketing plan software from ISBDC
  
  

"Whether you are just starting with a new concept or have already launched your food business, this contest could be your ticket to culinary success," said Thomas England, Culinary Arts Program Coordinator for Ivy Tech Community College.

Finalists will be selected in late May to participate in a final judging event at Ivy Tech Corporate College and Culinary Center, 2820 North Meridian St., on Wed., June 24^th. 

Judges for the contest include:

• Michael Joy, Chef/Director of Product Development, Park 100 Foods
• Jennifer Rubenstein, publisher of Edible Indy
• Ian Kille, executive chef, MCL Restaurant & Bakery
• Jennifer Cheezum, Pierogi in a Pinch
• Scott Wise, president & CEO, Scotty's Brewhouse
• Carrie Abbott, owner, Newfangled Confections
• Brian Shapiro, owner, Shapiro's Deli
  
  

"Our entrants just keep getting stronger and we are excited to see what creative concepts this year will bring," said Lynne Robinson, President of Reliable Water Services.

For more information and to enter, visit Reliable Water Services at www.hotwater247.com.