The 2nd Annual Coastal Tailgate Cook-Off Challenge took place on Saturday, August 24th at The Wharf Marina Lawn in Orange Beach. Organized by the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber, the event featured various tailgate-style foods, all with a focus on bacon.

The event created a lively game-day atmosphere complete with live music, games, and shaded seating areas. Food enthusiasts had the opportunity to sample dishes prepared by both professional and amateur culinary teams.

Competitors were vying for a "Golden Ticket" to the World Food Championships (WFC) in Indianapolis. Chef Rob Kraatz, Jr., from The Gulf Restaurant, secured first place with his BLT Tuna Taco; a gluten-free, dairy-free seared Ahi tuna tacos in a crispy bacon shell. Ingredients included: Crispy Bacon, Baby Greens, Baby Tuscan Salad Blend, Baby Heirloom Tomato, Lemon Garlic Aioli and Seared Tuna.

Other winners included Island House Hotel - a DoubleTree by Hilton, which took second place, and Blazed & Confused, which secured third. LuLu's Gulf Shores won the award for Best Decorated Booth. Attendees participated in the event by voting for the People's Choice Award, which was won by the Orange Beach Police Department's Grill Sergeants.

The event also served as a fundraiser for the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber’s education programs. Funds raised will support local educational initiatives, benefiting the community’s students and schools.

The finals of the World Food Championships competition are scheduled to take place from November 8th through the 12th, in Indianapolis, Indiana. This event will be held at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. The competition will feature over 300 teams from around the country competing across various categories, including the popular bacon category, which Chef Rob Kraatz from The Gulf Restaurant will be participating in.