Winning restaurants, businesses recognized at Taste of Rockwall Business Expo

Mayor Pro Tem David White, Rockwall Chamber President Dana Macalik and Mayor David Sweet enjoy visiting the booths on business alley.

Visit Taste of Rockwall & Business Expo PHOTO GALLERY

(ROCKWALL-April 13, 2013) The Taste of Rockwall and Business Expo celebrated its 20th anniversary on April 11, and the event offered a wide variety of Rockwall’s best restaurants and businesses.

Like the city itself, the Business Expo and Taste of Rockwall has grown each year with continued success.  The Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce stages the event to help build community connections.  The large, steady crowd enthused about the great food and number of business booths.

“We are impressed with the outcome of the Taste of Rockwall this year, and our attendance numbers reflect the enthusiasm of our event,” said Chamber President Dana Macalik. “This year we had quite a few new  restaurants participating, serving up a lot of wonderful dishes.  There was fierce competition for the coveted People’s Choice Award.”

This year, the #1 People’s Choice Restaurant Award was presented to Rob Gates, owner of  Cole  Mountain Feed Store.

A Culinary Excellence Award was added this year; the winner selected by panel of three judges: Stephen Straughan, Straughan Properties; Stewart Storms, American National Bank; and Tim Nichols, Nichols Wealth Management.  This award is based on the overall taste of the dish, presentation and appearance, as well as originality of the booth.

The 1st place winner in this new category was Cotton Patch and the 2nd place winner was Liberty Heights.

Congratulations to these winners and all the other participating establishments for setting such high standards in their food presentation and display. Votes were tallied and the award was presented at 8:30 p.m. as the event drew to a close.

Carmen Smith was the Grand Prize Raffle winner this year.  She won a Staycation for 2 at the Hilton Dallas – Rockwall Lakefront, which included a breakfast, dinner for two at Glorias, a cruise for two on any of the Sail With Scott boats and a fantastic wine and cheese tray  donated by KE Cellars.

There were 67 area businesses and six non-profit organizations participating this year as well as the fun and  interactive areas provided by both Oncor and the Rockwall Indoor Sports Expo and  also a nice outdoor display of cars from the Randall Noe Auto Group and Toyota of RockwallBobby Montgomery with Lake Pointe Medical Center took home  the Best Business Expo Exhibitor award  for their very interesting space highlighting the Da Vinci Surgical System.  The Rockwall Community Playhouse singers entertained the crowds throughout the evening as well as DJ Greg LaRosa from Black Tie Entertainment.

“This is such a great way for business and community to come together,” said Macalik. “The event would not be possible or run as smoothly and successfully without the help of so many volunteers – from the Chamber Ambassador Group and  Board of Directors to the banks and other organizations that sold tickets. Also, the RISD crew and custodians who prepare the facility and then clean up after the event closes, and also the Rockwall High School Interact Group and the Boy Scouts from Troop 314 who kept the eating area clean during the evening.  Thank you all – we just couldn’t do it without you!”

Now the work begins on the the Chick-Fil-A Leadercast coming May 10 to the Rockwall High School  Performing Arts Center at Utley Middle School.

“This is going to be a great opportunity for you and your employees to attend a first class nation-wide leadership summit via simulcast live from Atlanta, Georgia with nine nationally known authors and speakers,” Macalik said.

To purchase tickets or more info, visit rockwallchamber.org or call Paula Kerr at 972-771-5733.

VISIT THE TASTE OF ROCKWALL PHOTO GALLERY HERE.

Submitted by Paula Kerr, Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce.

To share your good news and events, email .