Temptation Kitchen marked its second anniversary on Saturday, January 25, 2025, with a vibrant celebration that featured its inaugural Waffle Eating Competition.
The event brought together competitive eaters, food enthusiasts, families, and local business representatives in a festive display of community spirit and culinary creativity.
The competition saw five contestants vie for the title of Brantford’s first waffle-eating champion. In the end, Ricky Willdy, a seasoned competitive eater from Brantford, emerged victorious by consuming six and a half waffles in five minutes.
His performance secured him the top prize of a $100 gift card to Temptation Kitchen, as well as the admiration of the cheering crowd.
“Seven years ago, I competed in a similar event in Mississauga, and it’s amazing to be part of something like this again,” Willdy said. “This competition was about more than just waffles. It brought the community together and gave people something fun to do. Whether it’s the Terry Fox Run, the Hike for Hospice, or events like this, I’m always proud to participate in Brantford’s community initiatives.”
Willdy’s nearest competitor, Marcus Yates, came in second with five waffles, while Mark Abrantes secured third place with four. Jake Lanteigne and Leon Crosbie rounded out the lineup, eating three and a half and two waffles, respectively.
Contestants adhered to strict rules: eat as many waffles as possible within five minutes, with less than one percent of food allowed to fall to the table or floor.
The event’s judges, Joshua Wall and Chad Jakeman, provided both oversight and enthusiastic commentary.
Wall commended the competitors and the organizers for a well-executed event. “It was a lot of fun to judge Brantford’s first-ever waffle-eating competition,” he said. “A huge thank you to Temptation Kitchen for hosting such a great celebration. Two years in business is a remarkable achievement, especially during challenging times for small businesses.”
Jakeman, representing Jakeman’s Maple Products, one of the event’s sponsors, echoed Wall’s sentiments. “Our family has been making maple syrup since 1876, so supporting a local event like this was a no-brainer,” he said.
“This competition showcased the resilience and creativity of Brantford’s downtown. Events like these bring people together and give them a reason to celebrate.”
Edward Bernstein, owner and head chef of Temptation Kitchen, said the idea for the competition came from a desire to create an engaging event that would bring the community together.
“Everyone came hungry, left happy, and had a great time,” he said. “This wasn’t just about waffles—it was about fostering a sense of connection in Brantford. We’re already looking forward to making this an annual tradition, possibly with different age groups or even more categories.”
The event was part of a broader day-long celebration that included special menu items, such as $5 Waffle Pops and $10 Savoury Wafflewiches, which gave visitors a chance to sample the restaurant’s signature creations. Families, friends, and food lovers filled the space, cheering on contestants and enjoying the festive atmosphere.
Over 100 waffles were prepared for the competition, a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to making the day memorable for everyone involved. Bernstein also highlighted the role such events play in the larger context of revitalizing downtown Brantford.
“Small businesses face a lot of challenges, especially these days,” he said. “We want to give Brantford a reason to shine and show that there’s a lot of positive energy here. Community events like this help build hope, connection, and excitement.”
Temptation Kitchen, known for its inventive programming, has previously hosted live music nights, themed events like an Easter Murder Mystery and a Halloween Escape Game, and family-friendly activities such as a Christmas Elf Camp.
Bernstein said the restaurant will continue to develop creative ways to engage with the community and draw people to Brantford’s downtown core.
As the afternoon came to a close, participants, spectators, and organizers alike celebrated the success of the first Waffle Eating Competition.
For Brantford, the event was more than just a milestone for Temptation Kitchen—it was a testament to the city’s ability to unite in the spirit of fun, food, and friendship.
