SOUTH ORANGE DOWNTOWN FOOD STROLL

Join us this spring for the South Orange Downtown Food Stroll, a tasting event that showcases the diverse restaurants and unique retailers in our downtown. Our goal is to ensure a quality-tasting event for attendees and to expand your customer base by introducing new patrons to your cuisine and business.

On Sunday, April 27th from 12PM - 4PM hundreds of strollers will crawl into your business for the experience of a lifetime. Participating businesses will set up tasting stations inside their restaurant or retail space.

Patrons with an event wristband will be allowed access to your tasting station. Tickets will be sold in advance and on the day of this event. Ticket sales for this event will be limited in order to reduce the possibility of businesses running out of food. 

If your restaurant serves alcohol, create a special drink menu or discounted pricing. Drinks are not included in the tasting event, so this is an excellent opportunity for your cash bar to profit during the tasting event.

Please fill out the form to participate BY WEDNESDAY February 26

If you want to participate but are undecided about your tasting menu or in-store special(s), please make sure to apply, but list TBD on the application form and we will follow up with you. 

PARTICIPATION FORM

BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATING

This is an opportunity to showcase your product/establishment to an estimated 500-600 attendees including press, social media influencers and community leaders. The vast majority of attendees will return downtown and hopefully to your restaurant or shop because of something they enjoyed or discovered on the stroll!  

Media exposure- your business will be included in all of the press that the event generates, which will include the VillageGreenNJ.com, TAPinto SOMA, SOMA Living our downtown Monthly e-blast and more.

  • Special news feature on southorangedowntown.org

  • Your food donation for this event is tax deductible (check with your accountant). 

  • A stipend will be given to restaurants to help offset food preparation expenses.

REQUIREMENTS 

We ask our restaurants and businesses who participate in the South Orange Downtown Food Stroll please fulfill the following requirements:

  • Prepare one serving per guest for approximately 600 guests from 12pm-4pm. We are releasing 650 tickets to the public. We will update you on sale

  • Provide plates, napkins, and utensils and any necessary equipment.

  • Engage visitors with your business! This is your chance to introduce new clientele to your business- make the most of this opportunity.

  • Make your best effort to ensure your attendees have a good experience. Consider bringing in music, artists, or offer  special demonstrations to add to the experience. (Not required, but encouraged)

  • Read all communications sent out regarding the event.

  • Promote the event through your mailing list, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat and other social media outlets.     

  • Offer a day of coupon or discounts to strollers.

  • Complete a follow-up survey after the event. We need your feedback to help us continue to provide effective programming that will benefit your business.

STIPEND FOR RESTAURANTS

South Orange Downtown will provide a stipend to each participating restaurant to help offset food preparation expenses. We know this will most likely not cover your entire cost to prepare your samples, but your participation provides the opportunity to promote your business as well as contribute to a very positive experience in our downtown!

The stipend amount will depend on ticket sales and the number of participating businesses. We will split the revenue from ticket sales minus expenses evenly amongst the restaurants. Your stipend will arrive by check no later than Friday May 2, 2025. Please note that your food donation to this event is also tax deductible (although you should check with your accountant). South Orange Downtown will provide you with a letter for your records if requested. 

Your business is a key ingredient in the success of the downtown, so we hope you will sign up to be part of this amazing event which will highlight the very best our downtown has to offer to the masses!