Hawaiian Chili in Indiana? Ellettsville’s Hawaiian Hoosier Takes Best Overall Chili Title

​The Hawaiian Hoosier Snack & Gifts announced today that it earned Best Overall Chili at the FreezeFest Chilly Cook-Off, a community chili competition and fundraiser benefiting Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard. The cook-off took place Friday, January 23, 2026 (5:00–7:00 p.m.) at the Switchyard Park Pavilion as part of Bloomington’s annual FreezeFest winter festival.

FreezeFest is a two-day community celebration at Switchyard Park featuring live ice carving and enchanting ice sculptures, local vendors, and wintertime fun that draws families and friends outdoors even when Indiana decides to set the thermostat to “polar.” Guests watched ice sculptors transform massive blocks of ice into crowd-pleasing works of art while warming up with chili samples during the festival’s kickoff cook-off.

The event was made possible through key community partners, including Visit Bloomington as the main event sponsor, along with Cook Medical and the City of Bloomington Parks & Recreation.

A chili with island soul and Hoosier comfort
The award-winning entry was The Hawaiian Hoosier “House Chili”, served with signature toppings that let guests customize their perfect bowl: caramelized onions, Portuguese sausage, and a roasted jalapeño. The chili starts mild and crowd-friendly, with the roasted jalapeño offering an optional kick. Together, the toppings create a layered flavor experience that judges and guests found truly distinctive.

Owner Stacie Marotta said the win was meaningful for reasons far beyond the trophy.

“Helping out a great non-profit is prize enough, but winning Best Overall Chili is special,” said Marotta. “Being Hawaiian, we find joy in feeding our family, friends and neighbors, and knowing that my chili brought people joy on this cold winter day is a blessing.”

Supporting a mission that feeds neighbors with dignity
Proceeds from the Chili Cook-Off benefit Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard, a Bloomington nonprofit working to increase access to healthy food in ways that cultivate dignity, agency, and community. MHC operates a client-choice food pantry designed like a grocery shopping experience, and it also supports the community through programs such as community gardens, cooking and education efforts, and advocacy that addresses root causes of hunger.