Forty-three years of the best chili in California. This is what it’s all about. Meat or vegan we have both represented, both are competitive, and both will make you want to come back next year. The chefs are serious. The judges are ready. You get a vote.
2026 Competition Lineup
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Chimmelier
Chimmelier introduces bold flavors from Korean pocha culture to the universal love of crispy chicken and street food. A selection of Korean fried chicken, often ordered in soy garlic or spicy, anchors the menu, alongside crowd favorites like the Chicken sandwich, Tteokkochi, Mozzarella sticks, and Tteokbokki. Chimmelier is designed to be instantly recognizable, emotionally memorable, and culturally rooted.
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Clarks Oyster Bar Malibu
Clarks Oyster Bar Malibu combines Southern hospitality with California coastal charm, serving fresh oysters, crudo, lobster rolls, caviar, and their signature pan-roasted Gruyere burger. Since opening their first location in Austin in 2012, Clark’s Oyster Bar has become a destination for serving the freshest seafood from across America and expertly shucked oysters from both coasts. Founded by McGuire Moorman Lambert Hospitality (MML), they are on a mission to create an experience where food, design, service, and storytelling come together seamlessly.
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Dreamland Chili
Aviator Nation is a 1970s-inspired California lifestyle brand with a full restaurant, bar, and music venue that offers an experience unlike most in Los Angeles. This Labor Day, Aviator Nation Dreamland steps into the kitchen — bringing a homemade chili to the Malibu Chili Cook-Off® that carries the same soul, boldness, and community spirit that has defined the brand from the start. Dreamland celebrates a time when music, surfing, and a love for community shaped our culture. Live. Love. Fly.
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Irv’s Burgers
Irv’s Burgers is a Route 66 icon and an all-American burger stand that captures the American ritual of a burger, fries, and a thick milkshake. With over 70 years in the making, every detail of the brand taps back in time, from its 1950s-style aesthetic to the comfort of a burger that feels recognizable, accessible, and timeless. Built on the ethos of history, pride, and community, Irv’s is taking that promise national — great food, premium quality, and the best burger value in America.
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Pickles & Peas
Pickles & Peas infuses bold Lebanese flavors and fresh ingredients to deliver delicious traditional pita wraps, signature bowls, and authentic artisanship. Since its founding in 2016, each bite has captured the bold spirit of Beirut through recipes handed down through generations and recreated in a colossal collision of flavors. The staple has amassed a devoted following of food lovers who keep coming back for the kind of meal that feels both new and deeply familiar.
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Tacos 1986
Tacos 1986 is an LA taqueria designed to bring the soul of Tijuana’s vibrant late-night taco scene to Los Angeles. Since 2018, every taco is built on handmade, nixtamalized corn tortillas and loaded with carne asada, pollo asado, adobado, or mushroom — topped with onion, cilantro, guacamole, and salsa. Founded by childhood friends Jorge “Joy” Alvarez-Tostado and Victor Delgado, word spread fast, and now guests travel from across LA and beyond for the warm service, three house-made salsas, and the city’s most talked-about adobado tacos.
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Universal Music Group
Universal Music Group is excited to participate in this year’s Malibu Chili Cook-Off® under the leadership of CIO Dan Morales, a multi-time award-winning competitor at the event. Dan has built a reputation for creating championship-caliber chili, including earning first-place honors in the Meat, Vegan, and People’s Choice categories. UMG is proud to bring that passion for community, creativity, and friendly competition to this year’s event.
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Duke’s Malibu
Oceanfront dining on Malibu’s Pacific Coast Highway, Duke’s Malibu pairs breathtaking sunset views with Hawaiian-inspired cuisine, tropical cocktails, and the legendary spirit of Duke Kahanamoku.
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Howdy’s Sunrisa Cafe
Good food, great vibes, and a smile in every bite. Fresh food, happy hearts, and unforgettable moments. Come for the food, stay for the smiles.
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Papa Razzi’s Pizza
We believe in “feel good food” from our long-fermented organic sourdough pizzas to our fresh salads & calzones. From carefully selected Italian imports to our boutique deli offerings, we prioritize organic ingredients & locally sourced produce. We use no seed oils and work closely with local farmers & artisans to curate the best offerings for our community.
More competitors coming soon.
