Established in 2022, the Foodees Food and Culture has written a story of overcoming adversity, endurance, and winning. Take a few moments to read the story. Be inspired.
As one of the co-founders of Foodees, LLC, Tricia brings her passion for community and love for diverse cuisines to the forefront. She spearheads strategic planning and ensures that each festival reflects the core values of unity, diversity, and culinary excellence.
Ron, co-founder and visionary behind Foodees, LLC, combines his entrepreneurial skills with a deep appreciation for cultural traditions. His leadership focuses on expanding the festival's reach while maintaining its commitment to bringing communities together.
Adrienne is the operational powerhouse of Foodees, overseeing the day-to-day management. Her expertise ensures seamless execution of events, from logistics to team coordination, making every festival an unforgettable experience.
Kris is the key player in selecting and managing the diverse array of vendors for Foodees festivals. Her talent in vendor relations and keen eye for quality ensures a rich and varied festival experience.
Dylan's expertise in forging meaningful partnerships shines in his role. He is responsible for acquiring sponsorships, working closely with businesses and brands that align with Foodees' values, enhancing the festival experience for all.
Zach’s role is crucial in bringing the festival to life. As the Floor Manager, he ensures that every aspect of the event runs smoothly, from vendor placement to attendee flow, contributing significantly to the overall success of each festival.
Savannah’s organizational skills and attention to detail make her an invaluable member of the team. She assists in various aspects of event planning and coordination, helping to create a vibrant and well-organized festival environment.
Gabrielle's role in the team involves coordinating key elements of each event. Her responsibilities include assisting with logistics, vendor coordination, and ensuring that each festival component comes together seamlessly.
Foodees Food and Culture Festival was born from a shared dream of two passionate visionaries, Ron Kennedy and Tricia Croft. United by their love for culinary diversity and a strong belief in the power of food to unite people, they embarked on a mission to create more than just a food festival – they aimed to cultivate a space where different cultures could converge and celebrate together. It was this vision that laid the foundation for what would soon become the most beloved touring food truck festival in the Southeast.
Our journey took a significant turn in March 2023, in Easley, SC. This event was not just our debut; it was a test of our resilience and adaptability. Faced with unexpected weather challenges and logistical hurdles, the team at Foodees, under Ron and Tricia's leadership, demonstrated remarkable tenacity. The community's response was heartwarming – people came together, braving the elements to share in the joy of diverse cuisines and crafts. This experience was a powerful reminder of our mission and the unifying force of food. It taught us invaluable lessons and fueled our determination to bring the festival to more communities.
Overcoming the obstacles of our first event became a defining moment for Foodees. It wasn't just about the success of navigating through the challenges; it was about how these challenges brought us closer to the communities we served. Each subsequent festival became a testament to our growing spirit – a spirit characterized by resilience, community, and the celebration of diversity.
Today, the Foodees Food and Culture Festival stands as a beacon of cultural unity and culinary delight. Our success is measured not just in the number of events or attendees but in the stories of connection and joy that each festival brings. As we continue our journey, Ron and Tricia's initial vision remains at the heart of every decision – to create a space where every bite tells a story, every craft narrates history, and every gathering strengthens the bonds of community.
We invite you to be a part of this ever-growing family. Join us at our next event, not just to savor the diverse flavors and artistic talents but to be a part of a story – a story of unity, resilience, and the unifying power of food and culture.
1. Easley, SC (March 24-26) Venue:
Maynard Community Center Attendance: 4,000 Strengths: Our inaugural event set the tone for the year with an impressive turnout and enthusiastic community engagement. The diversity of 27 food trucks and 74 artisans and crafters provided a rich and varied experience.
2. Aiken, SC (April 14-16) Venue: Newberry Street, Downtown Aiken Attendance:
Over 25,000 Strengths: A landmark event with record-breaking attendance. The vibrant street setting enhanced the festival's community feel, and the 26 food trucks along with 60 artisans and crafters offered an expansive culinary and cultural experience.
3. Cornelius, NC (May 26-28) Venue: Lake Norman YMCA Attendance:
2,000 Strengths: Despite challenging weather conditions, this event showcased our resilience and adaptability. The dedication of 24 food trucks and 80 artisans and crafters, coupled with the community’s support, underscored the festival's spirit.
4. Lexington, SC (June 23-25) Venue: Barnyard Flea Market Attendance:
Over 18,000 Strengths: A robust event with a strong local flair. The flea market venue provided a unique backdrop, enhancing the 30 food trucks and 68 artisans’ presence, and offering attendees a diverse and engaging experience.
5. Waynesville, NC (July 21-23) Venue: Smoky Mountain Event Center Attendance:
Around 5,000 Strengths: This event showcased the scenic beauty of Waynesville, complemented by an array of 31 food trucks and 50 artisans. It was marked by a strong sense of community and an appreciation for local crafts and flavors.
6. Anderson, SC (August 25-27) Venue: Anderson Mall Attendance:
About 3,000 Strengths: Despite the heat, this event had the highest social media response of the year. The combination of 36 food trucks and 48 artisans showed our ability to attract engagement in varying conditions.
7. Hardeeville, SC (September 29 - October 1) Venue: Hardeeville City Hall and Recreation Complex Attendance:
Over 7,000 Strengths: A great event with strong community involvement. The setting provided an ideal backdrop for the 32 food trucks and 56 artisans, contributing to a lively and engaging festival atmosphere.
8. Gilbert, SC (October 20-22) Venue: Gilbert Community Park Attendance:
Over 10,000 Strengths: This Halloween-themed event was a unique experience. The creative use of the park setting, with 35 food trucks and 48 artisans placed amidst the woods, offered a distinctive and memorable attendee experience.
9. Augusta, GA (November 3-5) Venue: Reynolds Street and the Freedom Bridge, Downtown Augusta Attendance:
Over 100,000 Strengths: A record-setting event in multiple aspects: the first event on the Freedom Bridge, the largest food truck festival in the Augusta/CSRA region with 52 food trucks, and the highest private event attendance. It showcased 80 artisans and crafters, making it a monumental success and a highlight of the year.
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