Chef Opportunities
Top Chefs from across the Southwest are invited to participate in on-stage cooking demonstrations. Previous chefs include: Jon Bonnell, Eddie Deen and Dean Fearing.
• Main stage features two complete kitchen sets
• Chef demonstrations run 30 minutes each
• 15-minute audience Q&A sessions follows each demonstration
• Chefs prepare 40-100 samples for select audiences
In exchange for their expertise FFC Judges receive:
- Two tickets to the Fiery Food Challenge Awards Banquet
- All access pass to ZestFest 2026
Fiery Food Judges
Industry professionals including chefs, restaurateurs, culinary media, and foodies, are hand selected to judge entries in 85+ categories.
Judges gather for one or more, two to four 4 hour shifts to challenge their senses and evaluate entries in the following categories:
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CONSUMER READY (Open and serve)
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COOK OFF (Used in mixed or cooked application)
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BEST NEW PRODUCT CONSUMER READY
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BEST NEW PRODUCT COOK-OFF
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MARKETING
Audience Demographics
ZestFest Attendees Sear!
ZestFest 2026 Media Outreach will include some of the following placements, culminating in a $150,000 media buy
DUAL AUDIENCE
• 52% Male
• 46% Female
IN THEIR PRIME SPENDING YEARS
• 54% of Attendees are 30 to 49 years old
AFFLUENT
• 61% have a household income over $76,500
• 37% have a household income over$102,000
AT-HOME COOKS
• 88% cook three or more times a week
• 97% own grills
SAAVY CONSUMERS
• 98% purchase from the internet
• 59% purchase from the internet regularly
EDUCATED
• 90% Attended college
• 60% attained an undergraduate or graduate degree
THEY ENJOY BEVERAGES
• 75% drink beer
• 62% drink bottled water
• 49% drink either vodka, gin or scotch
• 36% drink tequila
• 29% drink mixed drinks
Spicy Food Productions
Greg Bagarozy
President, Spicy Food Productions LLC
21 Cimarron Road
Putnam Valley, NY 10579
Phone 210-483-8987
Fax 210-483-8949
gregory@zestfest.net