About Us
40 Years of Tasting
The Taste of Buffalo presented by Tops is the largest two-day food festival in the United States. It began in 1984 with 22 restaurants on Main St and now we are celebrating our 40th year in 2023. The Taste is a not-for-profit corporation registered with the State of New York and is run by an all-volunteer board of directors and Connie Wendling of Sell-utions Inc., our event management and sponsorship agency.
Join us Saturday, July 8th and Sunday, July 9th, 2023 in celebration of our 40th year of sharing food, drinks and good times with the great city of Buffalo!
40 Years of Giving
The Taste awards annual scholarships to high school seniors pursuing a major in culinary arts or the hospitality field. Each year the Taste of Buffalo awards stipends to local organizations that man the festival's ticket and beverage tents. Over $543,000 has been donated by the Taste. If monies remain left over after expenses are paid, the Taste Chair and Board of Directors make additional donations to local charitable organizations.
From one of our Taste Fans, Jeffrey W.
"Grew up in WNY (Cassadaga) and was home to celebrate parent's 65 anniversary. 12 of us went to the Taste of Buffalo, for the first time, this year. It was absolutely a fantastic experience. Very well organized; food was great and people everywhere at the festival were pleasant and considerate. Security was obviously present and we felt safe. Thanks to all who made this event a great success."
Admission to the Taste is Free! Food and beverages are purchased with tickets.
Food and beverage tickets can be purchased at one of three ticket tents located throughout the festival. Tickets are sold in $6 sheets. You’ll receive 10 tickets for $6. Food items range between 2 and 10 tickets.
You can also purchase pre-sale food ticket vouchers at the register at participating Tops Markets locations through 5 p.m. on the Sunday of the festival. Vouchers are available in $10 increments or take advantage of the Family Freebie and purchase a $60 food ticket voucher and get 4 free non-alcoholic drinks at the Taste.
2023 Board of Directors
Officers
ChairElizabeth Mamot, Aventra |
TreasurerRozana Ayanbadejo, Nova Healthcare Administrators |
1st Vice ChairThomas Mahoney, SAHD |
Past ChairLuke Baecker, Roofers Local No. 74/203 Benefit Funds |
2nd Vice ChairMatthew J. Reis, Tallinger Associates, Foodservice Design |
|
SecretaryCheryl Goldstone, Retired – School Counselor Williamsville South HS |
Directors
| Paul Avery, Esq., Bond, Schoeneck & King | Thomas P. Muscarella, Erie County Department of Health |
| Greg Beckwith, NFTA-Metro | Valerie E. Pillo, Decision Resources Group |
| Paula Bilski, Retired | Rachel Rajan, MergerShark |
| Douglas Boehm, Bureau Veritas Consumer Product Services | Mark E. Reimann, Joblio, Inc. |
| Becky Chambers, Delaware North/Erie Sportservice LLC | Adam C. Roma, Principal Financial Group |
| Erin Collins, Linde | Matthew Testa, M&T |
| Amber Hartman, Velocity Global | Mark Zawodzinski, Integer Holdings Corporation |
| Darcy Hitchcock, Cognigen Corporation | Amanda Ziegler |
| Leonard Hubbard, UB - Office of Parking & Transportation Services | |
Ex-Officio
| James K. Morrell, NFTA-Metro |
| W. Morgan Smith, Buffalo Place, Inc. |
Advisory Committee
| Ann Hackett, aHa! Designs |
| Mac Hartman, Freed Maxick & Battaglia CPA |
| Laura Jacobs, e3communications |
Festival & Sponsorship Management
| Connie Wendling, Sell-utions Inc. |
