Last weekend ACityDiscount staff had the chance to attend a local food festival in Atlanta. It started Thursday at the Loews Atlanta Hotel in Midtown. The core of the events Thursday were demonstrations of cooking, cocktail crafting, heaps of inspiration, useful information as well as celebration. ACityDiscount had the pleasure of being in attendance for deliciously prepared meals and beverages which were accompanied by great speakers.
Speakers included Matti Antilla of Grain & Barrel, Marianne Barnes of Castle & Key, Alisa Barry, Bella Cucina, Scott Blackwell, High Wire Distilling, and many more. In addition to key speakers, an Award was given to Southern Living Entrepreneur of the Year. Finalists included Rustin Gooden of Bulls Bay Salt, Cannonborough Beverage Company, David Arant of Delta Blue Ice, Service Brewing Co., Veronica Hawbaker of Soberdough, and the grand prize winner who took home the title - Jennifer Bonchak of Slingshot Coffee Company.
ACityDiscount participated in cooking demonstrations, attended informative workshops covering prevalent topics on entrepreneurship, and enjoyed the reception where professionals in the culinary and restaurant industry networked. The Entrepreneurs Program was a great kickoff to the festival that lasted all weekend.
The activities included breakfasts, seminars, demonstrations, and tasting tents during the afternoons in Piedmont Park, a prominent area for outdoor activities in Metro Atlanta. Vendors included local participants American Spirit Whiskey, Bacon's Heir, Beautiful Briny Sea, Grand Champion Barbecue and more. Also, involved were participants from far and wide that included Giesen Wines from New Zealand, Goo Goo Clusters from Nashville, New Belgium Brewing of Asheville, NC and others.
Our staff thought it was a huge success and were glad we could participate by sponsoring and enjoying the festivities ourselves. The large crowd to enjoyed great festivities, food, networking, and information.
