The 14th edition of Munch Madness has come to a close.
LNK Today announced the Chompion of Munch Madness XIV Tuesday, with Muchachos claiming the crown over Penelope’s Lil’ Cafe. This is the second Chompionship of the modern era for Muchachos.
A record number of votes were cast over the course of the event, with nearly 30,000 being cast, presented by University of Nebraska Federal Credit Union.
Back in February, 64 establishments were placed into the Lincoln Mattress and Furniture Bracket. Nearly two months later, Nick Maestas of Muchachos and Brenda Failor of Penelope’s Lil’ Cafe joined LNK Today.
“I feel better about my team getting this,” Maestas said. “They deserve all the recognition in the world. It’s good to get this for them.”
Penelope’s Lil’ Cafe made their first final, after previously being knocked out in the Eat Eight in both 2021 and 2022. Despite no Final Forks before 2023, they were perennially one of the stronger establishments in the bracket.
Failor attributed that success to how they as a staff relate to their customers.
“Showing them how to vote,” Failor said. “A lot of them don’t know. And we had a blast with (the competition).”
Brittany Hart of Nebraska Prep Equipment also joined the show on Wednesday. Hart presented Muchachos with a $2,000 in-store credit or single door refrigerator for their Chompionship.
“I’m opening (a new place) in Omaha so this is perfect timing,” Maestas said.
Hart also presented an in-store credit of $250 to Penelope’s Lil’ Cafe for their runner-up finish, something that wasn’t planned ahead of the competition. Failor said the gesture will help them with getting a new fryer that they’ve been wanting.
Muchachos is located at 416 S 11th St. while Penelope’s Lil’ Cafe is at 4724 Pioneers Blvd.