Twenty-five competitors brought their best recipes to the third annual Pot O Hot soup festival at Trailhead Beer Garden at Schreiner University on Saturday, with top honors decided by both a panel of judges and attendee votes.

Abram Bueche of BBQue Texas, LLC took first place in the juried competition with his Rajin’ Texas Cajun Bayou Gumbo. Kyle Bond, his business partner in the Kerrville-based barbecue seasoning company, claimed second place with a Cajun Chicken Potato Cheddar Soup. Chef Adrian of Cartewheels Catering earned third with a Poblano Corn Chowder.

Josh and Julie Raymer of Bakery JoJu received an honorable mention for their S.O.B. Son of a Bean soup. Shane McRorey of Grape Juice and Scott and Stephanie Newcomer of Calypso were named runners-up.

In the Tasters Choice category — decided by attendee votes — Steve Haddon and Alan Hunter of the Coconut Crushers topped the field with their Coconut Chicken soup. Chef Adrian’s Poblano Corn Chowder finished second, giving Cartewheels Catering recognition in both categories. Jeff Blakeley of Pint & Plow Brewing Co., the Kerrville brewery that also operates Trailhead Beer Garden, placed third with a Chicken Enchilada soup.

Doug Hetzler received a Tasters Choice honorable mention for his Texas Tomato Soup. Brandun Ramon and Jesse Ramon of Calypso and the Newcomers also appeared among the top vote-getters.

Jeremy Walther, who owns Pint & Plow Brewing Co. and Trailhead Beer Garden and organized the festival, said the event went smoothly, with staff reporting no complaints or issues throughout the day.

The fourth annual Pot O Hot is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 27, 2027, at Trailhead Beer Garden. Full results are available at the Trailhead website.