Before the 2025 Chicago’s Best Beef Tournament kicks off on Thursday, Rich Bartell from Bob-O’s joined Kevin Powell and Michael Piff on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast to talk about defending their championship title. Rich shared with Kevin and Michael what it was like from a business owner’s perspective being on the competing end of one of our WGN Radio food tournaments, how new people were introduced to the 50-year-old Chicago establishment, the new location in Norwood Park that is specifically for Italian beef, and much more.

Michael also talked through all of the details for this year’s ‘Mom & Pop’ edition of the tournament, when voting starts, where to vote, how you can keep track of scores, how zero funny business will be tolerated, and how this is meant to support local businesses. Special thanks to our sponsors, Turano Baking Company and Caruso Provisions. Listen to the full episode below:

• An Italian Beef from Bob-O’s. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
• The Bob-O’s team with Chicago’s Very Own Eats cohost Michael Piff. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio

Get all the details and final draft of the 2025 Chicago’s Best Beef Tournament bracket here. See all the 2025 competitors and where to find them here.

Stay updated on tournament results and all things Chicago food by subscribing to Chicago’s Very Own Eats on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. All episodes are available on the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast page at WGNRadio.com.