📣 Press Announcement — May 11, 2025
Farewell for Now: Retiring the Foodie Fest Brand with Gratitude & Vision
It is with mixed emotions that we announce the official retirement of Foodie Fest. For many of you, this journey began in 2018 when we launched the Black Foodie Summit — a groundbreaking food tasting event that elevated Black-owned food and beverage businesses in Oklahoma. In the years that followed, and particularly after the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, we evolved and reintroduced the experience as Foodie Fest, an outdoor celebration of Oklahoma’s richly diverse culinary culture and thriving small business community.
Over the past two years, Foodie Fest made an undeniable impact:
We welcomed small businesses and culinary talent from across Oklahoma, Texas, and Nevada
We supported and promoted over 40 small businesses
We contributed to the local economy and created a vibrant space for food, culture, and connection
Despite these successes, the reality is that large-scale outdoor food festivals require significant financial backing to be sustainably produced at a high standard. We’ve operated with excellence and resourcefulness, but we cannot continue without compromising the quality of experience our vendors and guests deserve.
While Foodie Fest is being officially retired, the Bigger Than Food Foundation retains all rights to the brand name and likeness. This leaves the door open for a possible return in the future — should we secure the appropriate funding and strategic partnerships to bring it back at full strength.
We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to every vendor, sponsor, volunteer, and guest who made Foodie Fest what it was. Your support over the years has been invaluable and inspiring.
This is not the end — it’s a pause. And we look forward to building even more impactful experiences in the future.
In community and gratitude,
Apollo Woods
Founder & Executive Director
Bigger Than Food Foundation
We’re still buzzing with excitement from the incredible turnout at Foodie Fest!
Your support truly made all the difference, and we can’t thank you enough for joining us in celebrating our vibrant community of small businesses. From savoring delicious bites to discovering unique treasures, every moment was filled with joy and camaraderie.
A special shoutout to our sponsors Lynn Institute, Rise Concepts, Pepsi, and Prosperity Bank for their generous contributions, helping us make Foodie Fest a reality. Your belief in our mission fuels our passion to continue uplifting and empowering local entrepreneurs.
Together, we’re bigger than food—we’re a force for positive change. Let’s keep shining bright and making a difference, one bite and one step at a time!
TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK
JOIN OUR BRAND INFLUENCER TEAM
Benefits:
- EXCLUSIVE ACCESS: Gain VIP access to special events leading up to Foodie Fest and connect with industry professionals, vendors, and fellow influencers.
- SHOWCASE YOUR PASSION: Share your love for food and support local retail businesses by highlighting the diverse array of vendors and experiences at Foodie Fest.
- EXPAND YOUR REACH: Reach a wider audience through our promotional channels and potentially grow your social media presence.
- NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES: Forge new connections within the lifestyle marketing community and build lasting relationships with like-minded individuals.
- MAKE A DIFFERENCE: Play a vital role in supporting the local community and making Foodie Fest a success, while indulging in delicious flavors and retail finds!
