Choosing where to eat is usually the hardest part of a night out. At Food Fight for Scleroderma, the bigger decision is who deserves your vote.
Returning for its 10th anniversary, the culinary competition brings chefs and bartenders together for an evening of savory bites, desserts and cocktails — with guests helping decide the winners. This year’s event takes place Thursday, October 29, at Mile High Station, with the main competition running from 6 to 9 p.m.
The evening benefits the National Scleroderma Foundation Rocky Mountain Chapter, pairing a tasting experience with fundraising for research, awareness and patient support. For Denver diners, it’s an opportunity to explore a range of local culinary talent while putting their opinions to work.
Three Categories, Plenty of Decisions
The competition unfolds across Savory, Sweet and Sip, giving guests a reason to save room for dessert — and revisit their favorites before casting a ballot. Chefs finish their dishes on-site, while attendees taste and vote for People’s Choice winners alongside a panel of judges, according to the event’s media release.
This year’s savory lineup includes Joshua Lugan of Wash Park Social; David Cleary and JD McCall of Safta; Lasinda and Jimmy Crane of Cranelli’s; Chris Barnes of Morrison Living; Tyler Cooley of Basketball Social House; Rachael Webb of Roaming Buffalo BBQ; and Simon Mwansa of CU Denver Lynx Dining.
On the sweet side, competitors include Zyaire and Char’Les Hawkins of Little Sista Treats, Stephen Cox of Hyatt Regency Denver, Ronald Bush of Mercantile Dining & Provision, and Chuck Beckman of The Union.
The Sip category brings together Luke Driscoll of Olde Town Social, Evan Davis of Mix and Shoot, Bryan Lepley and Chloe Mangan of Safta, and Tyler Cooley of Basketball Social House.
With returning competitors and new additions sharing the floor, the format invites guests to move between categories, compare creations and discover an establishment they might want to visit next.
A New Venue and an Earlier First Bite
For its milestone anniversary, Food Fight moves to Mile High Station. The venue’s exposed brick, soaring ceilings and two-level layout set the scene for the competition, with an upstairs lounge reserved for VIP guests.
Those choosing the First Bite VIP experience can arrive at 5:30 p.m., a half-hour before the main event, and receive access to the top-floor VIP lounge throughout the evening.
Organizers also list gluten-free, nonalcoholic and allergy-friendly options among this year’s offerings. Guests with specific dietary needs should check with organizers before attending.
A Competition With a Community Purpose
The evening’s judges include culinary author and two-time James Beard Award winner Adrian Miller, Colorado Bartenders Guild president Becky Rose, and Ashley Brown, executive chef at Four by Brother Luck.
Featured speaker She Shutes, a former collegiate basketball All-American and disability advocate living with diffuse systemic scleroderma, will bring a personal perspective to the cause behind the gathering.
Organizers have set a $100,000 fundraising goal for 2026. Proceeds support education, resources and services for people and families affected by scleroderma, along with research toward a cure.
Come ready to taste across all three categories, find a few new favorites and make your vote count.
Food Fight for Scleroderma takes place on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at Mile High Station, 2027 W. Colfax Ave., Denver. First Bite VIP begins at 5:30 p.m.; the main event runs from 6 to 9 p.m.
Visit Food Fight Denver for more information.