Lenexa, KS – Oct. 11, 2025 – BBQ Pitmaster and longtime Culinary Center employee Larry Hadley anchored a team that took fourth place out of 180 competitors at this past weekend’s 38th annual Lenexa Chili Challenge. On Saturday, thousands of people lined up with spoons in hand to feast on chili from 180 different competitors. Larry and his team have competed at the Lenexa Chili Challenge since 2021. Larry was shocked when his team was announced: “When they called us up, I got a rush of adrenaline. We practically ran up to the stage!”
The 38th annual Lenexa Chili Challenge heated up in Old Town Lenexa on Friday night, Oct. 10, with live music, face painters and balloon artists. Larry and his team competed in the “Homestyle Chili” and “Traditional Chili” divisions, and Larry was thrilled to bring home a ribbon for his take on traditional chili.
Larry is a BBQ Pitmaster and award-winning Chef. Larry has been a Kansas City Barbecue Society (KCBS) Certified Master Judge and KCBS Contest Representative for the past 26 years. Larry and his teammate, Q39 founder Rob Magee, led a nationally competitive barbecue team, the “Munchin’ Hogs.” The team won a wide array of competitions over a 10-year span, including two national championships. Larry also serves as Trail Chef for the CDTA (Continental Divide Trail Alliance) several times each year. For the past 20 years, Larry has been an invaluable addition to The Culinary Center team in assisting with classes and events, especially when they feature BBQ!
Published: Oct. 13, 2025
ABOUT THE CULINARY CENTER OF KANSAS CITY
Founded in 1996, The Culinary Center of Kansas City is the Midwest’s premier culinary arts center dedicated to food, wine, and culinary education. Located in a historic restored buggy barn in downtown Overland Park, Kansas, the CCKC offers cooking classes, interactive events, private dining experiences, team-building programs, and a curated Kitchen Shop. For more information, visit kcculinary.com or call 913-341-4455.
Contact: Darren Palmet, Co-owner of The Culinary Center of Kansas City | 913-341-4455 | darren@kcculinary.com
