Taste of Rockwall & Business Expo – Success!

Rockwall Chamber looks ahead to Leadercast

ROCKWALL, TX (April 8, 2014) The Taste of Rockwall and Business Expo celebrated its 21st anniversary on April 3^rd, showcasing a wide variety of Rockwall’s best restaurants and businesses. The 2014 event was presented by the Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Lake Pointe Medical Center.

Like the city itself, the Taste of Rockwall and Business Expo has grown each year with continued success. The Rockwall Area Chamber stages the event to help build community connections. A large, steady crowd enjoyed sampling delicious food and visiting a number of business booths, including car dealership displays from Heritage Buick GMC, Lakeside Chevrolet, Randall Noe Auto Group and Toyota of Rockwall.

“We were pleased with the outcome of the Taste of Rockwall this year,” said Chamber President Dana Macalik.

There were several new restaurants participating this year, serving up many wonderful dishes. There was fierce competition for the coveted People’s Choice Award. The #1 People’s Choice Restaurant Award was presented to Rob Gates, owner of Cole Mountain Feed Store. The runner up was a new Rockwall restaurant, Chateau Bistro.

The Culinary Excellence Award was judged by a panel of three judges. This Award is based on the overall taste of the dish, its presentation and appearance, and the originality of the exhibitor booth. The first place winner in this category was Cotton Patch. The second place winner was Lotus Japanese Grill.

Congratulations to these winners and all of the participating establishments for setting such high standards in their food presentation and display!

Jack Crain with American National Bank was the Grand Prize Raffle winner this year. He won a Staycation for Two at the Hilton Dallas/Rockwall Lakefront, including breakfast, dinner for two at Dodie’s, a cruise for two on any of the Sail With Scott boats, and a bottle of wine.

There were 73 area businesses and seven nonprofit organizations participating this year. Brandon Lessard’s Scentsy Wickless Candles took home the Best Business Expo Exhibitor Award. DJ Greg LaRosa from Black Tie Entertainment entertained the crowd throughout the evening.

“This is such a great way for business and community to come together. This event would not be possible, nor would it run as smoothly and successfully without the help of so many volunteers – from the Chamber Ambassadors and Board of Directors, to the banks and other organizations that sold tickets,” said Macalik. “We also wish to thank the Rockall ISD crew and custodians who prepare the facility, then clean up after the event closes. The Rockwall High School Interact Club and the Boy Scouts from Troop 314 kept the eating area clean throughout the evening. Thank you all – we just couldn’t do it without you!”

Now the work begins on the Leadercast event being held on May 9 at the Rockwall High School Performing Arts Center atUtleyMiddle School. “This is going to be a great opportunity for you and your employees to attend a first-class, nationwide leadership summit via simulcast live fromAtlanta,Georgiawith nine nationally known authors and speakers. So mark your calendars – you won’t want to miss it,” Macalik said.

To purchase Leadercast tickets or for more information, visit www.LeadercastRockwall.com or call Paula Kerr at 972-771-5733.