In recent years, food festivals and tasting events have exploded in popularity and are now a top marketing strategy for eateries. They are the perfect way for food joints to market their offerings to swarms of potential customers. On Thursday, the Pacific City shopping center in Huntington Beach, California, put on their first annual Taste of Lot 579. Hosted by Locale Magazine, it was highly effective in raising awareness of Lot 579’s food options.
Calling the Taste of Lot 579 “successful” would be a vast understatement–they sold over 600 tickets! The hordes of foodies arrived in high spirits and were excited to try Lot 579’s many top-notch eateries and breweries. Everyone went gaga over The American Dream‘s delectable Truffle Mac and Cheese, as well as savory spaghetti-filled grilled cheese sandwiches from Burnt Crumbs. Bear Flag Fish Co. also provided their tasty poke and spicy tuna rolls for all the sushi lovers in attendance.
All of the attendees also loved the flavorful jerky from Mahogany Smoked Meats, Pie-Not‘s savory handheld meat pies, and Il Barone Sicilian Street Food‘s mouthwatering pizzas. Desserts also had a major presence, with the food lovers flocking to Hans’ Homemade Ice Cream for rich and creamy scoops and Popbar for succulent gelato pops. Everyone also enjoyed sampling Frosted Cupcakery and Portola Coffee Lab‘s heavenly coffees.
The Dudes’ Brewing Company also gave beer lovers the chance to some of their craft brews and attendees raved about Petals & Pop‘s heavenly rosé champagne. The general $20 ticket gave everyone the chance to try all of these food and drink spots and receive a complimentary cocktail. A portion of the proceeds also benefited the Surfrider Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the world’s oceans. Guests also got to partake in a raffle for a Pacific City cruiser and gift cards to Lot 579 establishments.
In all, the first annual Taste of Lot 579 was an excellent way for Pacific City to get the word out about their gorgeous new food court and increase foot traffic in the entire shopping center. Huntington Beach consumers and socialites were able to discover exciting new local places to eat at and all of the participating merchants could connect with swarms of consumers. If you own a food startup or brewery as well, consider participating in a local food tasting event just like Taste of Lot 579 to amass new loyal customers.
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