Why doesn’t love a good challenge? Eating competitions have been around for a long time. Records show that back as far as 1913 Crown Candy Kitchen in St. Louis held milkshake challenges. It was until 2008 that food challenges increased in popularity due to the show Travel Channel Show Man v Food with host Adam Richman. It inspired restaurants all over the U.S. to create food challenges. There are now over 2,400 challenges throughout the country.
Here are some of the craziest food challenges in the U.S.
Kitchen Sink Challenge (San Francisco Creamery Company)– take three sliced bananas, scoops of up to 8 flavors of ice cream, 8 servings of toppings, mounds of whipped cream, chopped toasted almonds, and cherries. This served up to six people, but one if you dare with the Kitchen Sink Sundae Contest.
Completely eat the entire contents in less than the current record time, including anything that spills. A qualified San Francisco Creamery Company staff member will monitor your progress and let you know when you have completed the challenge or when you have run out of time. You may not leave the table once the time has started but you can stand up and stretch. You are allowed to drink beverages or eat food along with your Kitchen Sink Sundae. You must eat with a utensil, not bare hands. If you barf, you are disqualified. If you finish in less than the current record time, the Kitchen Sink will be free. You will also receive free ice cream for a year, limited to one single sundae per day.
72-Ounce Steak Challenge (Big Texan Steak Ranch Amarillo, Texas) – This is one of the most globally known and recognized food challenges. Over 50,000 people have attempted the challenge. It includes Shrimp Cocktail, Baked Potato, Salad, a Roll with butter, and the 72 oz steak. The entire meal must be completed in one hour. Before the time starts, you will be allowed to cut the steak and take one bite. If the steak is to your satisfaction, the time will start and the contest is on. Once you have started, you may not stand up or leave the table. You do not have to eat the fat. The contest is over if you become ill. You are required to pay the full amount up front; if you win, the $72 will be refunded 100%. You also get a t-shirt, souvenir mug & a spot on their hall of fame. If you do not win, you may take the leftovers with you. Check out their live stream channel on YouTube to be notified when the next person accepts the challenge.
Mount Olympus Burger Challenge at Clinton Station Diner (Clinton, NJ) – This place has several burger challenges. In the “8th Wonder,” you and up to 9 friends have an hour to each 105 pound burger to win $2,000. The “Mt. Oympus” is 50 pounds of beef served with vegetable toppings on a huge bun. Rules: You and 4 friends have 3 hours to finish. The burger is free if you finish $159.99 value) and you get free T-shirts, a picture on the “Wall of Fame” and $1000 in cash.
Four Horseman Burger at Chunky’s Burgers & More (San Antonio, Texas) – the 4 Horseman burger contains fresh jalapeno and Serrano peppers, a Habanero sauce, and Jolokia pepper. It was dubbed the “hottest burger on the planet” on Man v. Food. You have 25 minutes to eat the burger. You are allowed to eat and drink anything except remedies. No restroom breaks, spitting or double tasting allowed. A chuck bucket is provided, but the use of it is an automatic disqualification & you have to pay $20 clean-up. You must be 18 years of age or have a parent or guardian with you and sign a waiver. Your picture goes up on the wall if you complete the 4 Horseman Challenge.
Lucky Louie’s “Moby Dick” Sandwich Challenge (Erie Pennsylvania) – the $60 sandwich includes 2 pounds of Smith’s garlic ring bologna, pierogis, Greek sauce, sauerkraut, chili, cheese, grilled onions, bacon, fried eggs, cream cheese, ketchup and Frank’s Red Hot Sauce. There is a one-hour time limit to finish. Prizes include a free meal, a free T-shirt, “Fat Head” on the wall, and $100 in cash.
Stadium Grill Hail Mary Burger Challenge (Columbia Missouri) – Five pounds of burger, bacon, pulled pork, 3 different kinds of cheese, crispy onion rings, and fried egg with one pound of French fries on the side. You have one hour to complete the challenge and your meal is free, $50 in food/drink every month for a year, or until you are dethroned and you get to name the burger.
The Jumboli Challenge at Trimbo’s Pizza (Butte Montana) – Five pounds of Stromboli to be eaten within 60 minutes. It is filled with mozzarella cheese, pizza sauce, fried peppers and onions, capicola, salami, pepperoni, black olives, mushrooms, spinach, and ricotta cheese. Finish it all and it’s free ($29.50 value), a free T-shirt, and your picture on the Wall of Fame. Lose and your picture goes on the WALL of Shame. You can not leave the table and no puking is allowed.
Humpy’s Kodiak Arrest Food Challenge (Kodiak Alaska) – The challenge: 7 crab nuggets, 14 inches of Reindeer sausage, four pounds of Alaskan King Crab, Side dishes, Wildberry Crisp and ice cream. Price – $250 – rules are easy; just beat the last winner’s time to finish. Winners get their name on the wall of fame and an “I got crabs at Humpy’s t-shirt.”
