REGINA - It was never a question of whether Joey Chestnut would defend his mini-donut eating title at the Queen City Ex; it was by how much.
The famed competitive eater and reigning champion of the Nathan’s hot dog eating contest was back at the Brandt Centre in Regina trying to top his own record of 255 mini-donuts in eight minutes, set at last year's competition at the Ex.
Chestnut again faced all-star calibre opposition consisting of various Regina area personalities, but none of them really stood much of a chance. In the end, Chestnut downed 304 mini-donuts — a new mini-donut record.
Chestnut told reporters he had been secretly had a goal to hit for over 300. He probably also had extra motivation for setting a donut record after falling short of a new hot dog record at the Nathan’s contest this year.
“I was really happy to be able to get it. This year, I didn’t make a new record in hot dogs, so it was nice to get this record,” he told reporters.
The fundraising event was also a winner for the Regina Food Bank. They raised $72,203, an increase over last year. Chestnut was simply happy to be a part of it.
“It was so great, it’s such a great cause to raise money for the food bank,” said Chestnut. “I’m so happy to be back here.”