The deadline for restaurants and food trucks to submit an application to be considered for participation is extended to February 12, 2024.
Each year, the Taste receives a considerable number of applications from restaurants and food trucks. There is a multi-step evaluation process that ensures that the festival provides a variety of menu offerings which are considered to be the best of WNY. Notifications of acceptance into the event will be sent no later than March 15, 2024.
The hours of operation are 11:00am – 9:00pm on Saturday, and 11:00am – 7:00pm on Sunday. Your tent or food truck must be manned the entire duration of the festival and staff ready to serve prior to official opening of event.
The entrance fee is $700. This fee will cover the cost of a professionally assembled 15’ x 15’ frame tent (restaurants only), name/menu signage, and necessary permits (except propane). In addition, 18% of net sales (after NYS sales tax is remitted) will be retained by the Taste to help offset general festival expenses.
Each restaurant will have a 15’x15’ tent from which they will prepare and distribute their foods. An additional 10’ along one side the tent will be available for food preparation, cooking, storage, etc. Trailered cooking equipment must be pre-approved by the Restaurant Committee.
The majority of experienced restaurants make money AND promote their business. It’s critical that you get portion size and pricing correct to ensure good sales margins. Your assigned Restaurant Committee representative, and other veteran restaurants can assist you with these items.
Each year, the festival sees an estimated 400,000 guests each year. It’s approximately 200,000 – 250,000 per day. You could easily see a few thousand visitors at your tent or food truck per day!
The Taste is run by an all-volunteer board of directors, and event management agency and supported by approximately 1,000 dedicated volunteers. This group works year-round to ensure its success because they are passionate about the WNY food scene and love to showcase the best of Buffalo and WNY!
You can feel good about taking part in the Taste! Taste of Buffalo is a not-for-profit 501c6 corporation registered with the State of New York. Each year, scholarships are awarded to high school seniors pursuing a major in culinary arts or the hospitality field and donations are given to local charitable organizations that volunteer in the festival's ticket and beverage tents. If monies remain after expenses are paid, additional donations are made to local charitable organizations.