12th annual Taste of Apopka attracts over 800 guests

More than $1,000 raised for local restaurants affected by Hurricane Irma

From the Apopka Area Chamber of Commerce

The 12th Annual Taste of Apopka, a signature event of The Apopka Area Chamber of Commerce, was held at Highland Manor last Thursday, November 16th. With nearly 50 restaurants and business vendors participating in this year’s event, the Apopka Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed more than 800 guests who came to sample food and beverage selections and to raise funds in support of the community’s local restaurants and vendors that were affected by Hurricane Irma.

McDonalds Smoothie Truck won Best of Quick Service.

Nestled under the trees and starlight at the beautiful Highland Manor, guests were able to savor all that the area has to offer. Unlike previous years, the Apopka Area Chamber of Commerce will also be generously donating more than $1,000 in total - from our prize raffles and ticket sales - to the restaurants that won in each of the four “Best Of” award categories.

“Unfortunately, many of our restaurants in the Apopka area were hit hard and several of them are still struggling to get things back to normal. Therefore, we are grateful that the entire community joined us in support of our local restaurants, in order to make this a successful night,” said Robert Agrusa, President of the Apopka Area Chamber of Commerce.

With the help of several esteemed judges, the following restaurants were awarded the “Best Of” Awards at the 12th Annual Taste of Apopka:

Best of Sit Down: Charlie Graingers

Best of Quick Service: McDonald’s – Smoothie Truck

Best of Sweets and Desserts: Topper’s Creamery

Best of Catering: Sam’s Club of Apopka

Topper's Creamery won Best of Sweets and Desserts

We extend our most sincere appreciation to our generous sponsors for their commitment in this successful event, including Duke Energy, Orlando Health, Taurus - Apopka City Center, The Apopka Chief & The Planter, Clear Channel Outdoor, Florida Hospital, UCF Business Incubator, Waste Management, AccuTech Construction, Inc., A&C Printing, Dignity Memorial, FINFROCK, Florida Door Solutions, Insight Credit Union, Nelson’s Insurance Services, Inc., The Apopka Voice, and Wal-Mart.

Charlie Graingers won the Best of Sit Down.

The Apopka Area Chamber of Commerce’s mission is to be a catalyst of success for the entrepreneurs and leaders in business development, relationship building, community enrichment and local, regional and statewide issue advocacy by providing the tools and resources to help members be successful. Chamber membership offers business credibility, referrals, networking, marketing and advertising opportunities and professional development.

Sam's Club of Apopka won Best Catering.

For more information on the Apopka Area Chamber of Commerce, please visit www.ApopkaChamber.org.

Note: Charlie Graingers won the Best of Sit Down. Their award is in the feature photo.