VooDoo Underground Final

VooDoo Chef Underground: Where Passion Meets Purpose

The VooDoo Chef Underground is more than a culinary competition — it’s a platform for education, empowerment, and community.

Designed to showcase the talent and passion of tomorrow’s culinary leaders, this three-day event challenges students to create, prepare, and execute their own VooDoo-inspired menu items in a professional competition setting.

The competition unfolds in three stages: Preliminaries, Semi-Finals, and the Finals. The preliminaries and semi-finals are exclusive, invitation-only events hosted at the Hillsborough Culinary Academies at Erwin Technical College. The excitement culminates at the Finals, a ticketed celebration at the Eaton Marketing Test Kitchen, where the best of the best are crowned.

Every step of the journey is professionally filmed for broadcast as part of VooDoo Underground: Season 4 on RHS-TV, giving students a national platform to showcase their creativity, skill, and achievements. This exposure not only validates their hard work but also inspires future generations to pursue careers in foodservice and hospitality.

At its core, VooDoo Chef Underground embodies the pillars of the VooDoo Chef Foundation: Passion, Education, and Community. It’s both a celebration of student achievement and a fundraiser supporting the Foundation’s programs, which since 2017 have helped aspiring culinarians pursue their dreams.

By bringing together students, educators, industry leaders, and the community, VooDoo Chef Underground shines a spotlight on the future of the foodservice and hospitality industry—while honoring the traditions and trailblazers who paved the way.

About the VooDoo Chef Foundation Icon Awards

The VooDoo Chef Foundation Icon Awards celebrate individuals whose passion, dedication, and impact have shaped the foodservice and hospitality industry. These awards honor those who not only achieve excellence in their craft, but also uplift the culinary community, strengthen the industry’s future, and embody the Foundation’s mission to Include, Engage, and Empower.

Recognizing that true icons go beyond the plate, the Icon Awards highlight chefs, educators, mentors, and leaders who inspire through their commitment to service, innovation, and legacy. Each honoree represents the spirit of hospitality at its highest level — serving not only food, but also opportunity, mentorship, and community.

Join us as we celebrate the 2025 VooDoo Chef Icon Award Winners. After we recognize the Icon Winners, help us cheer the final two teams in the finals of VooDoo Underground Competition! Two teams competing live for full tuition scholarhip to the Hillsborough Culinary Academies at Erwin Technical College!

• 🔥 Professional Culinary Excellence
• 🎸 Rock Star Energy
• 🖤 Tampa Edge
• 🎓 Future Industry Leaders

For Guests:

• Dark jeans or tailored pants
• Blazer, leather jacket, or stylish top
• All-black fits encouraged
• Statement accessories welcome
• Clean sneakers or boots acceptable

For Industry Pros:

• Chef coats (black preferred)
• Culinary jackets with personality

Notes:
Keep things polished while maintaining that VooDoo Chef vibe.

Also check out other Food & Drink events in Clearwater, Contests in Clearwater, Nonprofit events in Clearwater.