The Southern NH Chamber of Commerce Rising Chef Challenge Returns to Salem, NH
SALEM, NH – Get ready for some soup-er excitement! The Southern New Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, Salem High School’s Career and Technical Education Center (CTE), and Great NH Restaurants are teaming up for the highly anticipated Rising Chef Challenge. This year, local high school culinary students are bringing their A-game as they compete to become the next big culinary star in the Granite State.
On October 30th, 2025, the Salem CTE kitchen will transform into a high-energy culinary battleground as students show off their skills in crafting the ultimate soup recipe. The competition isn’t just about taste, students will also be judged on creativity, presentation, scalability (yes, they must think big, 4 to 5 gallons of soup!), and cost per serving. It’s a true test of what it takes to create a winning dish for the restaurant world.
But don’t worry, the students won’t be flying solo in the judgment department! Chef Nicole Barreira, Corporate Chef and Director of Marketing & Menu Development at Great NH Restaurants, Robyn Sweeney-Glickel, President & Owner of Sales Recruiters Inc. and Al Letizio Jr., President of A.J. Letizio Enterprise Center will be the judges, sampling each delicious creation to crown the next “Souper Star” of the culinary world. And here’s the best part: the winning recipe will be featured on the Salem T-BONES menu as the Soup of the Day from November 3rd through November 9th!
As if that wasn’t exciting enough, the winner will also have the opportunity to shadow a culinary professional from Great NH Restaurants, getting a behind-the-scenes look at the magic that happens in the restaurant industry. Plus, all participating students will receive a ticket to the 2026 Taste of Southern NH!
“This competition is a fun and engaging way to introduce students to real-world career opportunities in the culinary arts,” says Stacey Kallelis, Salem High School’s Career Connected Learning Coordinator and Chamber Board Member. “It’s a fantastic opportunity for the students to connect with local businesses and professionals who are invested in helping them grow their skills and future careers.”
This event is not just a cooking competition, it’s an opportunity for students to showcase their talent, build valuable connections, and step into the exciting world of professional culinary arts. Stay tuned to find out who will rise to the top and be crowned the next “Souper Star!”
The Southern New Hampshire Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to empowering local businesses, encouraging economic development, and cultivating a dynamic and supportive professional network. To learn more, visit southernnhchamber.com or call 603-893-3177.
