Rancho Lewis Hosted Annual Hatch Chile Roast
The Charleston event featured 4,000 pounds of roasted chiles to raise funds for local programming.
Updated on Oct. 4, 2026 in Food and Drink
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Rancho Lewis held its ninth annual Hatch Chile Roast in Charleston on October 4, 2026. The event raised proceeds for the Green Heart Project while celebrating New Mexico chile traditions.
Why it matters
The gathering highlights the annual chile harvest while honoring the New Mexico roots of the owners. It serves as a community fundraiser for the Green Heart Project, which manages educational garden programs.
The event featured 4,000 pounds of chiles sourced from New Mexico and involved 30 local chefs. Additionally, 12 contestants competed in a chile-eating contest, which was won by Charles Porzelt, IV.
The players
Rancho Lewis
This Charleston-based restaurant specializes in Texas-style barbecue and New Mexican cuisine.
Green Heart Project
This local nonprofit organization connects students and community members through garden-based education.
Charles Porzelt, IV
He is the winner of the chile-eating competition held during the ninth annual roast.
Edmunds Oast Brewery
This Charleston-based brewery provided a specialized golden ale brewed specifically with Hatch chiles for the event.
The details
Despite rainy weather, organizers adjusted the event layout to host attendees at Rancho Lewis. Guests enjoyed food samples from dozens of local chefs and a signature golden ale brewed with Hatch chiles by Edmunds Oast Brewery.
Timeline
October 4, 2026, marked the ninth anniversary of the roast.
The festivities lasted from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Industry Dynamics
The event aligns with the broader seasonal trend of celebrating the Hatch Valley chile harvest. It mirrors how regional restaurants leverage niche agricultural cycles to build brand loyalty and community engagement.
Attendees were able to access the event for free, with an optional $10 donation supporting a local nonprofit. The festival structure allowed the public to sample dishes from over 30 local chefs in a single outdoor setting.
The takeaway
Supporting local food festivals often provides direct benefits to community education programs. Those interested in such events should look for regional harvest celebrations that highlight both professional culinary talent and charitable contributions.
Further reading
For more on the local culinary scene, visit the Food and Drink section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Live5news.
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