Chamber chow-down
Bryant businesses, residents help commerce-boosting organization
BRYANT — Organizers of the 18th annual Taste of Bryant, a fundraiser for the Greater Bryant Chamber of Commerce, may have undersold it as a “taste.”
Some 30 food, drink and nutrition vendors lined the perimeter of the gym at Bishop Park the evening of Aug. 3 to serve an all-out feast. About 750 people carried recyclable paper trays to each station, loading up on items from chain restaurants including IHOP, Papa John’s Pizza, Domino’s Pizza, Western Sizzlin’, Logan’s Roadhouse, David’s Burgers, Dunkin’ Donuts and Zaxby’s.
The lineup included a few nonfood related booths, as well, such as Cricket Wireless, 501 Nutrition Zone, Regions Bank, a politician and the Democratic Party of Saline County. Booths were $75 for members and $100 for nonmembers. A silent auction offered mostly home decor, along with more useful items, such as a smoker and certificates for dinners.
Tickets were $15 for adults ($20 for access to a 21-and-older Dave and Busters-sponsored VIP event with adult beverages and games). Many made it a family outing by including their children and grandchildren.
Bryant Mayor Jill Dabbs called it “one of the favorite events of the year.”
Greater Bryant Chamber of Commerce President and Chief Executive Officer Todd Rhoden said the event grossed about $15,000. Rhoden said the affair is one of the chamber’s largest annual fundraisers, with proceeds going toward its operating budget.
“The event is an opportunity for the chamber to promote its member businesses and nonmember businesses in a way that draws the community together for a night,” he said.