Founded by the Conroe/Lake Conroe Chamber of Commerce, Tastefest is an annual event held to showcase local food and beverage businesses in the Conroe area, said Scott Harper, president of the Conroe/Lake Conroe Chamber of Commerce.

“Our chamber continues to grow, and some of that growth has been within the restaurant industry or food industry,” Harper said. “And so we're expecting more people and booths to be at our launch party and then also participating in the two-month-long event.”

Though Tastefest was originally founded in 1996 as Bikes to Businesses, Harper said in 2010 the Conroe/Lake Conroe Chamber of Commerce established the event to be exclusively for restaurants.

The event

Tastefest is kicking off with its launch party held at the Lone Star Convention and Expo Center on March 27 from 5-8 p.m. Along with Crown Cork & Seal as the presenting sponsor, Tastefest is also sponsored by Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center and Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital, Harper said.
During tastefest people can sample drinks, a variety of cuisines and desserts from various local restaurants. (Courtesy Conroe Lake Conroe Chamber of Commerce)
During Tastefest, people can sample drinks, a variety of cuisines and desserts from various local restaurants. (Courtesy Conroe/Lake Conroe Chamber of Commerce)
With over 55 restaurants participating, Harper said this year Tastefest has extended its duration to nine weeks to allow people more time. Starting March 27, customers can visit participating restaurants and sample a featured dish, appetizer or drink of the restaurant's choosing, free of charge.


“It's really up to that venue, which I think makes it really, really unique because everybody offers something different,” Harper said. “But they're trying to highlight their best offerings.”

Anyone who wants to participate can download a newly launched app that contains the event information, including a list of the participating restaurants and each restaurant's coupon that can be redeemed for a sample.

The impact

Harper said Tastefest is a signature event that continues to grow with over 1,000 participants expected this year.
Tastefest is kicking off for its 15th year with a launch party held at the Lone Star Convention and Expo Center on March 27 from 5-8 p.m. (Courtesy Conroe Lake Conroe Chamber of Commerce)
Tastefest is kicking off for its 15th year with a launch party held at the Lone Star Convention and Expo Center on March 27 from 5-8 p.m. (Courtesy Conroe/Lake Conroe Chamber of Commerce)
“As the chamber grows, as our community grows, this event actually mirrors the growth of our community, because more restaurants are participating and more people are attending,” Harper said.