Fresh off their annual chili cook off Archer’s Tavern in Centerville has chosen a winning chili. It took a pro wrestler, and a tie-breaker to decide the #1 chili! The winner’s chili now goes on the Archer’s menu, in November for a year ! Winner David Klass outlasted the competition, with a secret ingredient. Riegele Beer, a German sister city of Dayton Beer, that he and Archer’s helped tap kegs for the first time in the USA. he secret ingredient

ARCHER’S YEARLY TRADITION:

Every year, for the past 8 years, steaming, heaping pots of chili have battled it out. Customers, guest local celebs, kids and more help choose just one winning chili by ballot.

Big Jim Lancaster has wrestled Andre the Giant and Archer’s chili

The result is a chili that you gotta try over at Archer’s on State Route 48 near Sheehan Rd. ! Tavern owners Dan Apolito and Mike Fullenkamp organized the battle of the beans and beef, and the aroma was amazing. From the restaurant patio, and throughout the dining room, chili powder was in the air !

The winner’s recipe will be served for one year at both Archer’s Tavern locations in Centerville and Kettering and Stone House Tavern in Waynesville. Not only does the winner have bragging rights for the next year, they also receive a $250 cash prize!

For $10, diners and customers got to taste the chili’s and make a people’s choice award. The judges, however would decide the winner.

CHILI JUDGES:

The judges had some local celeb test tasters in attendance, that would pick the top chilis to be decided on by the Archers Staff.

Klass’ winning Chili with Riegele Beer

Local guest judges included:

Big Jim Lancaster a pro-wrestler who hit the mats from 1972 to 1992. He has wrestled Andre the Giant, Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair to name a few. His wrestling stories were absolutely incredible.

Sallie Taylor from WDTN Living Dayton TV Show was also in attendance as chili judge.

Jeff Munn – Centerville Washington Township Fireman (who knows more about chili than firefighters?)

The Big Ragu Steve Milano from our Food Adventures local food blog.

Rob Boyle, owner of Boyle Mechanical, who Archer’s uses for maintenance needs.

Football players are good eaters right? Well we had 2 good representatives.

Tim Williams, Waynesville football standout and Ohio State Place Kicker 1990-1993 and owner of Up and Through

Ohio State Footballers Donnie Evege and Tim Williams with Living Dayton’s Sallie Taylor

Donnie Evege, Wayne High School standout and Ohio State cornerback 2008-1012, owner of OH2O bottled alkaline water.

TIE-BREAKER NEEDED:

The chili cooks who entered were :

Bertrams,

Kiara,

Valengeon,

Hicks,

Gunthier,

Wagner

Hiatt,

but the 2 finalists were

Archer’s Owner Dan Apolito (left) David Klass Chili champ

David Klass and Rex Ralston. (truth be known Rex was Big Ragu’s pick for #1, but Klass’s chili got the #1 votes)

There was a tie at the end of the contest between David and Rex’s Chili – the final round was decided by 3 people: Archer’s co-owner Mike Fullenkamp, The Kitchen Manager and last year’s chili winner. They tied on an outcome. When they took the celeb votes into account the winner was David Klass. He promptly flew to Germany that day ….

HERE’S THE SKINNY on DAVID KLASS’ WINNING “RIEGELE CHILI”:

— A nice meaty, mix of tomato and beans. A warm, soothing flavor, nice color and a kick of sweet vs hot.

— The secret ingredient is “Riegele Beer” from Germany

— Enjoy the chili on Archers Menu starting next week through September 2019.

Stop in and try the new chili… tell us if you like it too …

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