Businesses Work Hard Preparing For ‘Taste Of Tupelo ‘

TUPELO, MISS. ( WCBI) – More than 100 businesses and restaurants are under one roof tonight, offering samples of their dishes and information about their services.

It takes a lot of work to prepare for one of the area’s largest business networking events.

As guests are enjoying their lunches, slices of prime rib are being cut.  And bread pudding is prepared.

Harvey’s Restaurant has been part of “Taste of Tupelo” since the event began.

“It helps us build our business, it also gives  us an opportunity to go around and talk to other businesses that are there, showing their services and products,” said Bernard Bean, of the “Eat With Us” Group.

The business expo was organized by the Community Development Foundation.  It features exhibitors from industries such as healthcare, banking,  advertising, manufacturing and others.

But the main draw…food.

At the Dodge’s on West Main, spicy chicken wings for Taste of Tupelo are in the deep fryer. The store will also bring chicken strips, pizza sticks, egg rolls , fried apple pies and strawberry cream cheese pies.

“They will come over in batches of 200 , and we will run food until we close the doors.It gives us a chance to get out in the community, to see and be seen,” said Amy Adair-Gregory, of Dodge’s.

Taste of Tupelo is one of CDF’s largest networking events.  Last year, nearly 2,000 people visited the exhibits.

Taste of Tupelo is open to adults 21 and older.