JUDGES

We are honored to have the following FIVE members of our culinary community to be the judges for our competition.  

Sam Shelton

Executive chef and partner at Passatempo Taverna, Sam Shelton brings a genuine love of food, flavor, and community to everything she does. Whether cooking at the restaurant, for friends on the weekend or supporting local events, Sam appreciates the creativity and care that go into a great dish—especially when it comes to chili. Known for a curious palate, a good sense of humor, and a respect for tradition with room for innovation, Sam is a firm believer that chili sparks strong opinions- and that debating beans vs no beans is half the fun.  

Richard Hattaway

Richard Hattaway is a chef, restaurateur, and recipe developer based in Walla Walla, Washington, where he and his wife Lindsay own Hattaway’s on Alder. His cooking blends Southern roots with Pacific Northwest ingredients, with a strong focus on wood-fire technique and flavor-driven simplicity. With more than two decades in professional kitchens, Richard also leads Flavor Field Guide, a recipe and culinary media platform dedicated to confident, ingredient-forward home cooking. His work centers on flavor clarity, thoughtful technique, and food that feels honest rather than over-styled.

Scott Peters

Scott is a long-time chili fanatic who's entered more competitions than he can count - and yes, he's even won a few!  His favorite secret ingredient is tequila (for the pot....mostly), and his biggest lesson learned the hard way: always wear gloves when chopping a habanero.

Tim Gratzer

Tim is a self-proclaimed expert in all thing's chili.  As the head writer for the fictional National Chili Monthly Magazine, tim has spent some of his adult life basking in the wonderment that is a bowl of bean goodness.  Additionally, Tim has judged many chili competitions (in his dreams) and continues to spend his sleeping hours considering what the next great chili will be.  In all actuality, Tim and his wife Kim are owners of the Fat Duck Inn Bed and Breakfast here in Walla Walla and as the head chef, Tim has crafted exquisite meals and provided catering for over 7 years.  He also is the host of the annual Sizzle & Sip BBQ competition and Souptacular soup events. He prefers to be addressed as the "King of Beans"

Bob Little

For more than 20 years in Texas—arguably the chili capital of the universe—I cooked, tasted, and competed my way through countless chili and BBQ contests, learning exactly what separates the good from the unforgettable. I’ve eaten enough award‑winning chili to qualify as a one‑man focus group, and I’m always on the hunt for that perfect balance of heat, depth, and bragging rights. Since moving to Walla Walla, I’ve loved bringing that Texas spirit to local events and community fundraisers. I’m thrilled to help crown this year’s champion—and even more excited to taste what our local chefs bring to the pot.  Bob has major chili chops, no beans about it! 

CONTESTANTS

We are excited to have great chili cooks competing in this year's event: 

• Benjamin Dickinson
• Cynthia & Grant Witherspoon
• Tomas Glase
• Kyle Daniel
• Corie Konen
• Steven Long
• Kurt Jensen
• Rob Watilo
• Jon Ulsh, Tim Davidson MD and Mike Norwood
• Lori Dyer.....our returning Champion!