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Minot's Best Bites delivered a night of food, fun and community connection on Aug. 27, with nearly 6,000 samples served as local restaurants showcased some of the best flavors the community has to offer.
Presented by Aspire Credit Union, the event brought together 16 local food vendors at Citizens Alley.
In total, 5,960 samples were sold, with 13 of the 16 participating vendors selling out.
Taking the top spot for the night was Iron Horse Kitchen and Bar, which sold an impressive 651 sliders, making its sliders the most popular individual item of the event.
In addition to supporting local restaurants, Minot's Best Bites benefited Independence, Inc., a Minot nonprofit serving individuals with disabilities and working to promote independence, inclusion and opportunity in the community.
"This event was such a fun way to bring our community together, and the $6,000 donation will make a meaningful difference for the people we serve," said Tonya Parker of Independence, Inc. "We are honored to be the beneficiary of an event that celebrated exactly what makes Minot special: our people coming together to support local."
"The numbers were exciting, but what really made the night special was watching people discover new favorites from local restaurants. That is what being local is all about. Finally, to be able to take that success and present a $6,000 check to Independence, Inc. was the bonus that made the whole night even more meaningful," said Aspire Credit Union Marketing and Community Impact Director Rianne Kuhn.
For many vendors, the impact of Minot's Best Bites went well beyond one successful evening.
"Before Minot's Best Bites, our ribs ranked eighth or ninth among our most popular menu items. Since the event, they've climbed to first or second," said Jeremy Ford of Bones BBQ. "It was great to see people try them at the event and then come back for more."
The event will be back at Citizens Alley on Aug. 26, 2027.