In early 2016, Food Truck Caravan transitioned from a recurring public event in Scottsdale to a private catering service. The company brings chef-driven gourmet food trucks to parties and events, creating custom menus and experiences for clients.
Through ReplyBuy, eventgoers can use their mobile devices to instantly purchase tickets to sports games, concerts, and other events. The service doesn’t require users to download an app; instead, the transaction occurs via text message. In the summer of 2016, the company expanded its partnership with the Phoenix Suns to include tickets for Arizona Rattlers games, as well as for events at Talking Stick Resort Arena. ReplyBuy also has contracts with other local entities, including the Arizona Coyotes and the University of Arizona.
Where’s Waffle has been providing fresh Liège waffles to hungry customers in the Phoenix area since the summer of 2016. For events, planners can take advantage of the service in two ways: either as a mobile food truck or an on-site waffle bar. A variety of flavors, including blueberry lemon, banana rum, and bourbon maple bacon, are on the menu. It also offers an online catering estimate generator, making it easy for planners to budget.
In September, Phoenix hosted its first Sriracha Festival in Heritage Square. The event celebrated the popular Thai chili sauce with food tastings, mixology contests, games, and live entertainment. Local chefs were armed with their best sriracha-based recipes, serving up dishes ranging from savory to sweet. The festival will return in 2017, and organizers are considering replicating the event in Tuscon next year as well.
