Chef Week 2026 at
Nicolet College

Chef Week at Nicolet College is a three-day event designed to immerse students, food enthusiasts, and future chefs in today’s most exciting culinary trends. This year’s focus highlights wood-fired cooking, smoking techniques, and the fast-growing food truck industry—giving participants real-world insight into modern culinary careers.

Throughout the week, attendees will learn directly from respected chefs and industry professionals who are shaping the regional food scene. Space is limited for each session, and registration is required.

Featured Events & Registration

Monday, April 20

Cooking with Fire: Bringing Wood-Fired Flavor to the Modern Menu
with Luke Zahm - Chef and Co-Owner | Driftless Cafe | Viroqua, WI
1–3 pm | Northwoods Center
Join Luke Zahm as he shares stories, techniques, and insights from Wisconsin’s vibrant food culture.
Register for Cooking with Fire session >

Smoke and Sip: Pairing Wood-Fired Bites with Craft Cocktails (21+)
with Mitch Below - Chef | Nicolet College Culinary Program and Jeff Dixon - Owner | Juliett Cocktail Lounge
5 –7 pm | Northwoods Center
Experience a unique session combining wood-fired culinary techniques with craft beverages.
Register for the Smoke and Sip session >

Tuesday, April 21

The Private Chef Playbook: Turning Culinary Talent into a Business 
with Joe Bending - Owner and Private Chef | The Wandering Chef | Phillips, WI
11 am–12 pm | Northwoods Center
Explore creative approaches to cooking and the chef’s journey through the culinary world.
Register for The Private Chef Playbook session >

From Farm to Food Truck: Building a Local Food Business on Wheels
with Dillon Carlson - Owner and Chef | Old Reliable Food Service | Wausau, WI
1–3 pm | Northwoods Center
Get an inside look at the food truck industry and what it takes to succeed on the road.
Register for the From Farm to Food Truck session >

Wednesday, April 22

Low and Slow: The Craft and Business of Authentic BBQ
with Joshua Peters - Owner and Pitmaster | Shank N Shig BBQ | Rice Lake, WI
11 am –1 pm | Northwoods Center
Learn from a working food truck chef about building a brand and crafting bold flavors.
Register for the Low and Slow session >

Food Truck Rally

1–6 pm | In front of the Lakeside Center

Wrap up Chef Week with a lively Food Truck Rally featuring approximately six regional food trucks. Sample a variety of flavors and experience the creativity of mobile kitchens firsthand.

Food available for purchase.

Why Attend Chef Week?

• Discover hands-on culinary techniques like wood-fired cooking and smoking
• Explore career paths in restaurants, food trucks, and hospitality
• Connect with professional chefs and industry leaders
• Experience live demonstrations and real-world insights
• Get inspired by the creativity shaping today’s food scene

Chef Week is more than an event—it’s an opportunity to explore your future, build skills, and connect with the culinary community.