19th ANNUAL CHAMPIONSHIP BBQ AND COOKOUT
19th ANNUAL CHAMPIONSHIP BBQ and COOKOUT
Sunday, May 22, 2016
Galleria Marchetti / 825 West Erie, Chicago
4.00 pm – 7:00 pm*
The Championship BBQ and Cookout is an annual event held on Sunday during the National Restaurant Association show in Chicago that showcases local chefs and brings together restaurant professionals with manufacturers and suppliers.
Is it an industry party? Yes, but it’s not held in a stuffy ball room. Is it a networking opportunity? You bet. Sponsors have the opportunity to show off their wares to as many as 1,000 industry professionals. Is it all for a good cause? Absolutely. This year the beneficiary is World Central Kitchen, a charity founded by celebrity chef Jos Andrés to eradicate hunger. In the past the event was able to make significant contributions to Share our Strength
Nineteen years ago, Food Arts publisher Barbara Mathias and the magazine’s founder Michael Batterberry wanted to create an event during the restaurant show that would bring our magazine to life and provide an opportunity for our sponsors and our readers to engage in real time. It has become the “must attend” event for all operators attending the restaurant show. When Food Arts closed, it seemed even more crucial to continue to bring our readers and sponsors together at live events. And so Barbara, as former publisher continues to produce this event. This year the BBQ will be dedicated to our late founder Michael Batterberry. As Michael was instrumental in José Andrés’ career, it is fitting to align with his charity.
We are partnering with SmartBrief again this year and they will be spreading the word and distributing the invitations.