The 2021 SIUE East St. Louis Café of Champions Challenge is an opportunity for local catering and/or restaurant entrepreneurs to showcase their talent for a chance to win $3,000 in cash prizes and a grand prize of 1- year rent and utility free commercial kitchen/cafe space on the East St. Louis Higher Education Center (ESLHEC). The ESLHEC serves as a national model for how metropolitan universities and colleges can leverage expertise in order to demonstrate impact in a high-needs community. ESLHEC is a place that inspires, prepares and connects youth and adults to opportunities to reach their full potential. The campus includes three higher education institutions, a charter high school, a full-service community library, a community care clinic, a community dental clinic, early childhood care, and is home to several state and federally funded programs and partners. The winning finalist will have the opportunity to provide high-quality dining and catering options, not only to the ESLHEC but also the surrounding community.
The 2021 SIUE East St. Louis Café of Champions Challenge is an opportunity for local catering and/or restaurant entrepreneurs to showcase their talent for a chance to win $3,000 in cash prizes and a grand prize of 1- year rent and utility free commercial kitchen/cafe space on the East St. Louis Higher Education Center (ESLHEC).
The ESLHEC serves as a national model for how metropolitan universities and colleges can leverage expertise in order to demonstrate impact in a high-needs community. ESLHEC is a place that inspires, prepares and connects youth and adults to opportunities to reach their full potential. The campus includes three higher education institutions, a charter high school, a full-service community library, a community care clinic, a community dental clinic, early childhood care, and is home to several state and federally funded programs and partners.
The winning finalist will have the opportunity to provide high-quality dining and catering options, not only to the ESLHEC but also the surrounding community.
To participate in the 2021 Café of Champions Challenge, prospective applicants must meet the following criteria:
STRUCTURE AND SCHEDULE:
The Challenge includes three (3) rounds. The first round consists of a questionnaire and executive summary submittal for all applicants meeting the eligibility guidelines. The second round is a business plan submittal, and will be open only to first-round participants who are invited to submit. The third round is the final sample, menu-tasting competition, open only to second round finalists.