Reviewed by: Lacey Muenstermann
This Athens chef just won Huntsville’s “Rocket Chef” cooking competition
Reading time: 3 minutes
On March 3, four local chefs went head-to-head at the local culinary competition and fundraiser, Rocket Chef.
Chef Rania El-Alam of Old Black Bear Brewing in Athens took home the winning title! This is Old Black Bear’s second win in the ten years of Rocket Chef. Read on to learn more about the competition and how to taste test Old Black Bear’s food for yourself.
4 top chefs competed for Rocket Chef title
Food Network’s “Chopped”—but make it local. 2025 marks one decade of Rocket Chef, a local culinary showdown that raises money for Merrimack Hall Performing Arts Center.
The 2025 line-up featured four local chefs:
- Chef Allen Noble from @116noble (Huntsville)
- Chef Joey Kindred from @nicksristorante (Huntsville)
- Chef Rania El-Alam from @oldblackbearbrewing (Athens)
- Chef Michael Locascio from @609socialmarket (Decatur)
Chefs are tasked with three rounds of mystery baskets while over 600 local spectators watch them race the 60-minute clock. Ingredients leftover from the competition are donated to the Manna House food distribution center.
All proceeds from ticket sales and the chefs’ individual fundraising benefit Merrimack Hall’s Happy Headquarters. The beloved nonprofit offers classes, programs and summer camps that provide visual and performing arts education to children and adults with special needs.
WINNER: Chef Rania El-Alam from Old Black Bear
Old Black Bear Brewing Company celebrated the win of their Athens chef, Rania El-Alam.
Ten years ago, Old Black Bear’s Madison chef took home the title of the first ever Rocket Chef competition (talk about full circle!).
The People’s Choice Award was awarded to by Chef Joey Kindred of Nick’s Ristorante, an Italian Steakhouse, who crowd-raised the most money at $3,233. Together, the four chefs raised $8,313 from fans donating in the name of their favorite chef.
Dine at Old Black Bear in Athens + Madison
As an Athens native, I can attest Old Black Bear’s downtown Athens location has become a community favorite since opening in 2023.
But we’ll let you try their delicious burgers and beer for yourself:
- Athens location: Downtown Athens, 311 S Marion St, Athens, AL 35611
- Hours: Monday-Saturday 11AM-10PM; Sunday 10AM-4PM
- Madison location: Downtown Madison, 212 Main St, Madison, AL 35758
- Hours: Monday-Thursday 4-10PM; Friday-Saturday 11AM-11PM; Sunday 10AM-4PM
- Website | Instagram | Athens Facebook | Madison Facebook
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