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Main Street board approves call for Taste of Downtown participants, debates stipends and ticketing
Summary
The board approved a plan to run a 2026 "Taste of Downtown" awards event open to downtown businesses, discussed stipend options, portion sizes, ticket pricing and limits, and agreed to an open call with an early-registration guarantee for small businesses.
The Main Street advisory board approved holding a 2026 "Taste of Downtown" awards event and decided to open participation to downtown businesses while offering optional stipends and a deadline to secure guaranteed spots for small or independent businesses.
Staff and board members debated two competing formats: a plated dinner served by a single caterer versus a tasting event where multiple downtown restaurants prepare small bites. Members favored the tasting format to showcase a larger number of downtown businesses and reduce burden on any single vendor. Staff ran estimates for 150–200 attendees and discussed portioning, stipends and ticket pricing (proposals discussed in the meeting ranged from $5 tasting tokens up to $15–$20 per ticket depending on format). One staffer noted the stipend should not cause a restaurant to lose money and that the stipend could offset but not necessarily cover full costs.
The board discussed operational details: whether participating restaurants should receive a stipend plus tickets, how to solicit and prioritize small businesses, whether to cap participants, and whether corporate chain restaurants that register first should be allowed. The board concluded to open registration but to give a short early-deadline window that would guarantee spots for businesses that confirm early — a measure intended to help small downtown businesses gain priority without categorically excluding corporate operators.
Members emphasized flexibility for vendors (allowing sample menus, small portions, or promotional materials at tables) and said the event should be designed so participating establishments can decide whether to donate samples or request stipend support. The board motioned to proceed with the event and to invite participants; the motion passed by voice vote.
No final stipend amount, binding vendor contract, or ticket-price resolution was adopted at the meeting; staff will collect vendor commitments and report back with a firm budget and participant list.
