Wyoming faces unique food-related challenges due to its rural nature and sparse population. From limited access to fresh produce in remote areas to the impacts of harsh weather on agriculture, the state grapples with various issues affecting its food systems. These challenges touch multiple aspects of food production, distribution, and consumption across the Equality State
Many organizations and initiatives are working to address Wyoming’s food challenges and improve food security for its residents. The Wyoming Food Coalition, Food Bank of Wyoming, and Wyoming Hunger Initiative are among the groups striving to strengthen local food systems, connect stakeholders, and ensure access to nutritious food for all Wyomingites. Their efforts span from supporting local producers to implementing innovative distribution methods in hard-to-reach areas.
1) Bear Lodge Pizza Challenge
The Bear Lodge Pizza Challenge is a daunting food challenge offered at a local pizzeria in Wyoming. Participants face the task of consuming an enormous pizza within a specified time limit.
This challenge features a massive pizza, typically measuring around 28 inches in diameter. The pizza is loaded with various toppings, including meats, vegetables, and extra cheese.
Challengers must finish the entire pizza by themselves within one hour. Those who succeed receive their meal for free, a commemorative t-shirt, and their photo on the restaurant’s wall of fame.
The Bear Lodge Pizza Challenge attracts both locals and tourists looking to test their eating abilities. Many attempt the challenge, but few manage to complete it successfully.
Participants are advised to come with an empty stomach and a hearty appetite. The challenge has become a popular attraction, drawing food enthusiasts from across the state and beyond.
2) Cowboy Burger at Terry Bison Ranch
Terry Bison Ranch in Cheyenne, Wyoming offers a unique dining experience with its Cowboy Burger. This massive burger is made from the ranch’s own bison meat, giving it a distinctive flavor.
The Cowboy Burger has gained recognition for its quality and taste. In 2009, it was named the Best Burger in Wyoming, and in 2017, it won USA Today’s Readers Choice Award for Best Burger in Wyoming.
Senator’s Steakhouse, located on the Terry Bison Ranch, serves this iconic burger. The restaurant has been a staple in the Cheyenne area for nearly three decades, known for its western-themed atmosphere and high-quality meats.
Visitors to Terry Bison Ranch can enjoy their Cowboy Burger while taking in the sights of the working ranch. The property is home to various animals, including bison, goats, camels, and ostriches.
For those looking to tackle a food challenge, the Cowboy Burger at Terry Bison Ranch offers a hearty meal that showcases Wyoming’s local flavors and ranching heritage.
3) Prairie Rose Café Pancake Challenge
J’s Prairie Rose Café in Laramie, Wyoming offers a unique food challenge for pancake enthusiasts. The restaurant is known for its hearty breakfast options and homestyle cooking.
While specific details about the pancake challenge are limited, J’s Prairie Rose Café is famous for its fluffy, oversized pancakes. These pancakes are likely the centerpiece of their food challenge.
The café’s regular menu features a “Two Pancake Combo” with eggs and choice of meat. For the challenge, participants may need to consume a much larger portion or multiple pancakes within a set time limit.
J’s Prairie Rose Café prides itself on serving “good food fast” rather than fast food. This suggests that their pancakes are made with quality ingredients and careful preparation.
The restaurant’s cozy, family-friendly atmosphere adds to the experience for those attempting the pancake challenge. Successful challengers might earn a spot on a wall of fame or receive their meal for free.
4) Big Kahuna at Deb B’s in Douglas
Deb B’s restaurant in Douglas, Wyoming offers a unique food challenge called the Big Kahuna. This massive burger test attracts adventurous eaters looking to conquer an impressive mountain of food.
The Big Kahuna features multiple beef patties stacked high with cheese, bacon, and various toppings. The exact specifications may vary, but it typically includes at least four quarter-pound patties.
Challengers must finish the entire burger and a side of fries within a set time limit. Those who successfully complete the Big Kahuna earn bragging rights and often get their picture on the restaurant’s wall of fame.
While not for the faint of heart, the Big Kahuna challenge provides a fun and memorable dining experience for locals and visitors alike. It showcases Wyoming’s hearty appetite and love for generous portions.
Deb B’s creates a festive atmosphere around the challenge, with other diners often cheering on participants. The Big Kahuna has become a popular attraction in Douglas, drawing in food challenge enthusiasts from around the state.
5) Devil’s Tower Donut at The Donut Factory
The Donut Factory in Wyoming offers an epic food challenge inspired by the state’s iconic landmark. The Devil’s Tower Donut stands as a colossal confection, mirroring the imposing presence of its namesake.
This mammoth pastry weighs in at a staggering 5 pounds. It’s crafted to resemble the distinctive shape of Devils Tower, complete with textured icing to mimic the rock formation’s unique striations.
Challengers face the task of consuming the entire donut within 30 minutes. Those who succeed earn their photo on the Wall of Fame and a commemorative t-shirt.
The donut itself is a sweet symphony of flavors. Its base is a rich, yeast-raised dough, filled with layers of cream and fruit preserves. The exterior is coated with a thick layer of chocolate icing.
While not an official attraction of Devils Tower National Monument, this food challenge has become a popular stop for tourists visiting the area. It offers a unique way to celebrate Wyoming’s natural wonders through culinary creativity.
6) Mammoth Burrito at Corbet’s Cabin
Corbet’s Cabin, perched atop Rendezvous Peak in Teton Village, Wyoming, is known for its unique dining experience at over 10,000 feet elevation. While famous for its waffles, the cabin also offers a lesser-known food challenge: the Mammoth Burrito.
This oversized burrito challenges even the heartiest appetites. Packed with a generous helping of eggs, cheese, potatoes, and choice of meat, the Mammoth Burrito lives up to its name in both size and flavor.
Adventurous eaters who attempt to conquer this hefty meal are rewarded with breathtaking views of the Teton Range. The cabin’s rustic atmosphere adds to the experience, making it a memorable culinary challenge.
Visitors should note that Corbet’s Cabin operates seasonally, typically open on weekends during ski season. Those planning to tackle the Mammoth Burrito should check the cabin’s current hours before making the trip up the mountain.
While not as widely known as the cabin’s signature waffles, the Mammoth Burrito has gained a following among locals and tourists seeking a substantial meal after skiing or hiking in the area.
7) High Plains Pizza Challenge
The High Plains Pizza Challenge tests the appetite and endurance of brave eaters in Wyoming. Participants face off against a massive 28-inch pizza loaded with toppings.
This daunting challenge takes place at select pizzerias across the state’s high plains region. Contestants must finish the entire pizza within a set time limit, typically one hour.
The pizza weighs several pounds and contains enough food to feed a large family. Toppings often include generous portions of cheese, meats, and vegetables piled high.
Successful challengers earn bragging rights and see their names added to the restaurant’s wall of fame. Some locations offer additional prizes like t-shirts or gift cards to winners.
While not for the faint of heart, the High Plains Pizza Challenge draws food enthusiasts eager to test their limits. It showcases Wyoming’s hearty appetite and love for oversized meals.
8) Buckaroo Burger Challenge at WyoPhilly
WyoPhilly in Cheyenne offers the daunting Buckaroo Burger Challenge to adventurous eaters. This mammoth burger features a full pound of beef patties stacked high with cheese, bacon, and all the fixings.
The challenge includes a heaping side of crispy fries and a large milkshake. Participants must finish the entire meal within 30 minutes to claim victory.
Those who succeed receive their meal for free, a commemorative t-shirt, and their photo on the restaurant’s Wall of Fame. The challenge has become a popular attraction for locals and tourists alike.
WyoPhilly’s Buckaroo Burger Challenge showcases Wyoming’s love for hearty portions and cowboy-sized appetites. It combines the state’s beef-centric cuisine with the thrill of competitive eating.
The challenge has seen its fair share of attempts, with only a select few managing to conquer the massive meal. It stands as a testament to Wyoming’s robust food culture and the spirit of culinary adventure.
9) The Buckaroo at The Bread Basket
The Bread Basket Bakery in Wyoming offers a unique food challenge called The Buckaroo. This cinnamon-infused treat is reminiscent of monkey bread and presents a delicious test for adventurous eaters.
Served warm and fresh, The Buckaroo is a substantial portion of sweet, doughy goodness. Its size and richness make it a formidable challenge for solo diners.
While not an official timed challenge, finishing The Buckaroo in one sitting is no small feat. The bread’s gooey texture and intense cinnamon flavor can be overwhelming, even for those with a sweet tooth.
Priced at $12.99, The Buckaroo is available at The Bread Basket Bakery during their regular business hours. The bakery operates Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Visitors to Wyoming seeking a taste of local culinary culture will find The Buckaroo an intriguing option. It embodies the hearty, indulgent spirit of Western cuisine while showcasing the bakery’s skill in crafting irresistible pastries.
10) Rib Challenge at Sanford’s Grub and Pub
Sanford’s Grub and Pub, with locations in Cheyenne and Casper, Wyoming, offers a tempting rib challenge for adventurous eaters. The restaurant is known for its quirky atmosphere and generous portions.
The all-you-can-eat rib challenge puts diners’ appetites to the test. Participants are served plate after plate of ribs until they can’t eat anymore.
While specific details of the challenge may vary, it typically involves consuming a large quantity of ribs within a set time frame. The exact rules and any potential rewards are best confirmed directly with the restaurant.
Sanford’s ribs are a popular menu item, though opinions on their quality can differ. Some diners praise the flavor, while others find them less satisfying.
The rib challenge is just one of several food challenges offered at Sanford’s. The restaurant has gained a reputation for its enormous portions and unique dining experiences.
For those attempting the rib challenge, it’s advisable to arrive with a hearty appetite. The combination of Sanford’s quirky ambiance and the challenge itself promises a memorable dining experience.
History of Wyoming Food Challenges
Wyoming’s food challenges have evolved from practical necessity to modern-day events celebrating local cuisine and culinary traditions. The state’s unique geography and agricultural heritage have shaped its food culture in significant ways.
Early Beginnings
Wyoming’s food challenges originated with the pioneers and early settlers who faced harsh conditions. These challenges were not competitions, but survival tactics. Homesteaders had to preserve food for long winters, often relying on techniques like salt-curing and smoking meats.
Cattle drives presented their own food challenges. Cowboys needed high-calorie meals to sustain them on long journeys. This led to the creation of hearty dishes like beef stew and sourdough biscuits.
Native American tribes in Wyoming also faced food-related challenges. They developed methods to preserve bison meat and wild berries for leaner times.
Popularization in Modern Times
In recent decades, Wyoming’s food challenges have transformed into eating contests and restaurant promotions. These events often showcase local specialties like Rocky Mountain oysters or bison burgers.
The state fair became a hub for food challenges. Pie-eating contests and chili cook-offs gained popularity, celebrating Wyoming’s agricultural products.
Restaurants began offering oversized meal challenges to attract customers. These often feature massive steaks or enormous burgers, reflecting Wyoming’s cattle-ranching heritage.
Social media has fueled interest in food challenges. Participants now share their attempts online, bringing attention to Wyoming’s unique culinary offerings.
Impact on Local Culture
Wyoming’s food challenges have profoundly shaped local culture, fostering community involvement and contributing to the state’s economic landscape. The unique food-related issues faced by Wyoming residents have sparked innovative solutions and collaborative efforts.
Community Involvement
Food insecurity in Wyoming has galvanized community action. Local organizations and volunteers have stepped up to address hunger through food banks, community gardens, and meal programs. The Wyoming Hunger Initiative, launched in 2019, supports grassroots efforts in all 23 counties to combat food insecurity.
Cultural responsiveness has become a key focus. The Culturally Responsive Food Initiative sends outreach consultants to collect feedback on food preferences, ensuring that assistance aligns with diverse community needs. This approach strengthens social bonds and promotes inclusivity.
Collaborative efforts between food banks and community organizations have led to more effective distribution of culturally appropriate foods. Over 100 local agencies have been surveyed to better understand client demographics and improve communication channels.
Economic Contribution
Wyoming’s food challenges have spurred economic activity in unexpected ways. Local farmers and producers have found new markets by supplying food banks and community programs with fresh, locally-grown produce.
Food assistance programs inject funds into the local economy. The multiplier effect of food aid spending supports jobs in retail, transportation, and agriculture sectors. This economic boost is particularly significant in rural areas facing economic hardships.
Innovative food-related businesses have emerged to address local needs. These include meal delivery services for remote areas, specialty stores catering to diverse cultural preferences, and food processing facilities that extend the shelf life of local produce.
The focus on food security has also led to workforce development programs. These initiatives train individuals in food production, distribution, and nutrition education, creating new employment opportunities in the food sector.
