May The 4th Be With You – Louisiana

The Empire Cooks Back

Enter Your Best Dish and Join the Galactic Cook-Off

Step into the kitchen arena for The Empire Cooks Back, the ultimate culinary showdown of the May the 4th Festival! Teams from across the galaxy will compete for flavor supremacy, bringing Louisiana’s food culture and Star Wars fandom together for one epic cause.

Prepare your best dish, showcase your creativity, and battle for prizes, glory, and bragging rights. A portion of proceeds from this year’s event benefits local high school band programs — helping young musicians thrive while serving up out-of-this-world food.

Cook-Off Details

Teams are responsible for providing all equipment, ingredients, and setup items needed for their dish. M4 Louisiana will supply sample bowls, utensils, and napkins. Prep work such as cutting meats and vegetables may be completed before arrival, but no cooking is allowed beforehand except for plain rice or noodles. Each team must prepare enough servings for 300 people. Setup takes place from 6:00 to 8:00 a.m., and all vehicles must be removed by 8:00 a.m. Judging samples will be accepted between 11:00 and 11:10 a.m., with awards presented for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, as well as a People’s Choice winner announced at 3:00 p.m.

Booth Space & Setup
  • Max booth size: 10 ft. x 10 ft.

  • Team name must be clearly displayed

  • No political signage allowed

  • Booths assigned by payment order or committee decision

Judging & Prizes
  • Judging boxes provided

  • Bring samples to judging area between 11:00–11:10 a.m.

  • Prizes: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place

  • People’s Choice announced at 3:00 p.m.

Event Guidelines
  • Family-friendly event — captains are responsible for team conduct

  • Teams must serve by 11:00 a.m.

  • Teardown only after awards

  • Maintain clean stations

  • Teams using grease/oil must provide absorbent covering

  • No grease containers provided — handle your own disposal

  • Fire extinguisher required at all times (checked by Fire Marshal)