GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — Dozens of Western Slope food fans packed the warehouse at 759 Horizon Drive Friday night for the third annual Give a Chef a Cookie fundraiser, where top local chefs proved once more that Thin Mints and Samoas belong in dinner, not just dessert.
The sold-out event raised money for Girl Scouts of Colorado at the peak of cookie season, and the creativity on plates was off the charts.
Eight restaurants competed this year, up from six last year, and every dish had to feature at least one full sleeve of Girl Scout cookies in a savory preparation.
Bin 707 Foodbar walked away with both the People’s Choice and Judges’ Choice awards for their chicken-peanut curry wonton tacos built on crushed Peanut Butter Patties. The crack from the cookie shell against the rich curry had the room buzzing.
Other standouts included:
- 626 on Rood: Spam musubi with sushi rice, nori, and a sweet-soy glaze made from reduced Samoas caramel
- Devil’s Kitchen: Green chile pork empanadas with a Trefoil shortbread crust
- No Coast Sushi: Tempura-fried Adventurefuls brownie batter rolled around spicy tuna
- The Winery Restaurant: Lemonades-crusted Rocky Mountain trout with preserved lemon beurre blanc
“I still can’t believe how good the spam musubi was,” said attendee Kelly McCarthy, who bought ten raffle tickets just to try more plates. “I will never look at a Samoa the same way again.”
Why the Event Keeps Growing
Leanna Clark, CEO of Girl Scouts of Colorado, told the crowd the money stays local.
“Every dollar raised tonight goes straight to Mesa County troops for camp scholarships, STEM programs, and outdoor adventures,” Clark said. “This is our biggest single-night fundraiser on the Western Slope.”
Last year’s event brought in just over $18,000. Organizers say early numbers show 2026 topped $25,000 between ticket sales, sponsorships, and the lively live auction that included private chef dinners and rare bottles from local wineries.
The surge makes sense. Cookie booths are everywhere right now, and locals love seeing their favorite treats flipped into dinner.
“It’s the hardest challenge we get all year,” said Bin 707 executive chef Josh Niernberg, still wearing his winning medal Saturday morning. “You’re forced to think completely outside the box, and the scouts get the win. Everybody leaves happy.”
Cookie Season in Full Swing
While chefs were busy crushing, grinding, and folding cookies into entrees, hundreds of Mesa County Girl Scouts are in the final weeks of door-to-door and booth sales.
Troops use the money for everything from summer camp at Tomahawk Ranch to new camping gear and financial literacy badges.
If you still need cookies (and who doesn’t after tasting that green chile empanada crust), booths will be out through March 16 across Grand Junction, Fruita, and Palisade.
The Give a Chef a Cookie event started in 2024 as a small idea between a few downtown restaurants and the Girl Scout council. Three years later it’s the hottest ticket in town every February.
Something special happens when you watch a James Beard-nominated chef nervously present a plate that costs a nine-year-old’s college fund to fund. The room feels it. That’s the magic that keeps people coming back.
What was your favorite savory cookie dish you’ve ever tried, or which cookie do you think would make the best dinner? Drop it in the comments and tag a friend who needs to know Thin Mints can be dinner.
