★ Chef Registration ★

Apply to Compete.

Built for Philly's working food entrepreneurs. $10,000 grand prize. Business coaching for every finalist.

built for philly's working food entrepreneurs

Who Can Compete.

The Philly Chef Showdown is designed for real food businesses with real roots in Philadelphia's neighborhoods. Competitors must meet all four:

✓

Commercial Activity License

Hold a valid City of Philadelphia Commercial Activity License (or have one pending).

✓

Tax Compliant

Current on all City of Philadelphia taxes. Required to compete.

✓

Real Food Business

You're a chef, food truck operator, caterer, or small business restaurant owner.

✓

Neighborhood Roots

Based in or primarily serving an underserved Philadelphia neighborhood.

what you win

More Than a Trophy.

★ GRAND PRIZE Champion
$10K

Cash, the title, and Philly's stage.

2nd Place
TBD

Funded by sponsors. Naming opportunities open.

3rd Place
TBD

Funded by sponsors. Naming opportunities open.

ALL

Every finalist wins more than a moment on stage.

All finalists earn access to MYB's Fractional Executive Program and one-on-one business coaching. The competition is just the beginning.

competition categories

Pick Your Lane.

Four competition categories, each split into two subcategories. Choose where your kitchen belongs when you apply.

01
Vegan
Fresh & Raw · Comfort & Soul

Plant-forward dishes from raw and refreshing to hearty soul-food classics reimagined.

02
Fusion
Philly Meets the World · Diaspora Kitchen

Cross-cultural mash-ups where Philly tradition collides with cuisines from across the world and the diaspora.

03
International
Caribbean & African Diaspora · Latin & Global

Authentic dishes representing Philadelphia's global communities — Caribbean, African, Latin, and beyond.

04
Baked Goods
Sweet · Savory

Sweet: sweet potato pie, cakes, cookies, cobblers.
Savory: mac & cheese, cornbread, hand pies, biscuits.

$50

Finalist Entry Fee

A $50 entry fee is required upon selection to secure your spot as a Philly Chef Showdown finalist. Fee waivers are available upon request for demonstrated hardship. Contact info@momyourbusiness.com for more information.

competitor application

Make Your Case.

All fields marked * are required. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Section A

About You.

Section B

Your Food.

250 words max.
Examples: Soul Food / Southern, Caribbean, Vegan / Plant-Based, Baked Goods / Pastry, Fusion, Seafood, etc.
150 words max.
150 words max. This is your pitch — make it count.
Section C

Eligibility.

A valid Commercial Activity License is required to compete. If pending, please provide your application reference number below.
Tax compliance is required to compete. Applications from non-compliant businesses will not be considered.
Optional. Helps us track and celebrate veteran entrepreneurs in the food economy.
Section D

Tasting Tour Availability.

Optional.
Section E

Additional Information.

Optional · 150 words max.

Questions? Email info@momyourbusiness.com