The King of the Wing competition on St. Thomas has once again brought the community together for a good cause. At a ceremony on September 25, 2025, organizers Alpine and White Bay Group presented a check for $102,124.60 to Dr. Jody Miller, executive director of the Coral Reef Academy, the beneficiary of this year’s event.
Held annually at Magens Bay Beach, the King of the Wing cook-off has become one of the United States Virgin Islands’ most anticipated community events. This year’s competition on June 14 drew thousands of attendees and featured teams from local restaurants, businesses, and community organizations, all vying for the title of best chicken wing while raising funds for local causes.
The 2025 winners included STJ Speakeasy, which took home both the Restaurant Division and Overall Wing titles, and DM Hospitality, winner of the Non-Restaurant Division. Deloitte audited the contest results.
2025 King of the Wing Winners:
- Overall Winner (King of the Wing): STJ Speakeasy
- Restaurant Division:
1st – STJ Speakeasy
2nd – Paradise Pie
3rd – Caribbean Fish Market
- Non-Restaurant Division:
1st – DM Hospitality
2nd – Keswick Insurance
3rd – Bacchanal BBQ / On the Go Physio
- Best Decorated Booth: The Westin St. Thomas & Buoy Haus
In addition to the food, the event featured live entertainment by rapper Lupe Fiasco and judging by celebrity chef Melissa Cottingham, known for her appearances on the Food Network and other national programs. Local food writer Anquanette Gaspard of St. Croix also joined the judging panel.
Since its founding in 2010, King of the Wing has raised more than $922,000 for local nonprofits. All proceeds from this year’s event support the Coral Reef Academy, which provides educational opportunities for children with developmental challenges in the US Virgin Islands.
“King of the Wing showcases and honors the culinary traditions of the Virgin Islands community,” said Vernon Araujo, director of philanthropy at Alpine and lead event coordinator. “We take pride in hosting an event that grows its charitable impact each year.”
Beyond the competition, King of the Wing has become a celebration of community spirit, local talent, and giving back—continuing a 14-year tradition that brings the US Virgin Islands together through food and generosity.
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