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Jo’s 18th Annual Chili Cook-off Raised Over $12k in Support of Food Insecurity

The collaboration between Jo’s Coffee and Hotel San José provided day of fun and food in support of Free Lunch ATX

  • By TRIBEZA Staff
  • Photos by Chad Wadsworth
  • February 10, 2025
Team Chili Nelson

Jo’s 18th annual Chili Cook-off raised over $12,000 for an Austin collective that supports food insecurity on Feb. 2. Hobbyists and professionals alike showed off their culinary skills to determine the winner of the prized chili pot. Over the years the event continues to grow, with this year’s earnings surpassing that of 2024 by over $2,000.   

Team Clay Pigeon
Team Clay Pigeon; Winners of the 2025 Jo’s Chili Cook-Off

The cook-off is a collaboration between neighboring South Congress establishments Jo’s Coffee and Hotel San José who host the annual event in their shared lot. The teams presented their chili product from booths for samples. Team Clay Pigeon claimed the cook-off’s first place and Blame the Dog took home the award for crowd favorite. 

Team Blame the Dog
Team Blame the Dog; 2nd Place Winners of the 2025 Jo’s Chili Cook-Off

In addition to the competition, festivities also included a quick fire competition, a raffle, and more chili-related attractions. Jo’s House Band, who plays weekly at Jo’s South Congress, set the event ablaze with live music and provided the soundtrack for the chili cook-off two stepping contest. 

Team Buckeye on the Bayou
1
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Team Buckeye on the Bayou
Team Blame the Dog(2)
2
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Team Blame the Dog
Aurora Silva _ Isaac Levy Rubinett
3
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Aurora Silva & Isaac Levy Rubinett
Desmarias McClooney
4
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Desmarias McClooney
Erika Nix _ Jenny Schipani
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Erika Nix & Jenny Schipani
Fermín Núñez
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Fermín Núñez
Rickyann Ramos _ Chris Ortiz
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Rickyann Ramos & Chris Ortiz
Alison Marlborough
8
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Alison Marlborough
Team Bringing 24 Diner Back
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Team Bringing 24 Diner Back
Team Keith’s Better Balance
10
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Team Keith’s Better Balance
Team Lakeway Resort & Spa
11
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Team Lakeway Resort & Spa
Team Made In
12
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Team Made In
Team Ochos Locos
13
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Team Ochos Locos
Team Popes of Chilitown
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Team Popes of Chilitown
Team Steven Van Buskirk
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Team Steven Van Buskirk
Team The Kitchen Austin
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Team The Kitchen Austin

Event entry remained free, however chili tasting wristbands for sampling each chili and donations supported Free Lunch ATX. The local collective narrows in on the health of individuals experiencing homelessness by serving nutritious meals. Contributing weekly meals to ATX Free Fridge, which is stocked by donations and open to the public, is also one of their initiatives. Free Lunch ATX also advocates for increased food access through a quarterly magazine.