Cows ‘n Cabs Breaks $1 Million Mark for 2nd Consecutive Year
Jim Carchidi
Central Florida's hospitality community came together for another massive party that gives back to local charities. Photos by: Jim Carchidi
After kicking off its 12th year on Thursday night with the first-ever Burgers, Beers, and Bubbles event, Cows ‘n Cabs 2024 reconvened in Central Park on Saturday, Nov. 9, to keep feeding the masses and benefitting local charities.
The event is a melting pot of the Central Florida hospitality industry with restaurants and beverage vendors teaming up to provide a diverse selection of menu samples, fine wine, and spirits. The 2023 event boasted more than 3,000 guests and raised more than $1 million for the first time in its history. According to event organizers, 39 restaurants and 77 beverage vendors joined the effort this year and matched last year’s total. All tickets for general and VIP access sold out despite weekend event competition that included a Justin Timberlake concert at Kia Center, Orlando Pride and Orlando City Soccer Club matches, Electric Daisy Carnival at Tinker Field, and Jazz Fest in Thornton Park.
“We look forward to this event every year,” said Good Salt Restaurant Group co-owner Jason Chin. Two of the group’s restaurants, Seito Sushi and The Monroe, were participants in this year’s Cows ‘n Cabs but Chin, along with his wife and Good Salt co-owner, Sue, are longtime participants. “It’s grown so much over the years, but it keeps a local vibe no matter how many restaurants and vendors come onboard.”
Good Saklt Restaurant Group founders Jason and Sue Chin were on hand with their Cows ‘n Cabs participants Seito Sushi and The Monroe.
Cows ‘n Cabs donates 100% of its proceeds to charities benefitting children. Its four primary organizations are 4Roots Foundation, After-School All-Stars Orlando, and Winter Park Day Nursery, but more charities are added to the list each year. “I don’t do many events, but I’ll make time for this one every year,” said Se7enBites chef/owner Trina Gregory. “I love its purpose and it’s just a great time.”
See the slideshow for a look at Cows ‘n Cabs 2024. Charities wanting to be considered for partnership can get in touch with event managers via the contact page.
4R Restaurant Group CEO and Cows ‘n Cabs co-founder John Rivers speaks with vendors and chefs before the gates open on Saturday, Nov. 9.Guests entering the welcome tent are greeted at a bar sponsored by Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.Blake and Sarah Lapinsky stop at the Buffalo Trace photo op.Seito Sushi chefs prepare their Steak Tartare Handroll for the first guests of the night.Wagyu Yukhoe beef tartare is hand rolled in Nori with Doenjang truffle yolk sauce and truffle caviar.Singer Sean Holcomb plays at the start of the event with John Zerrip on the fiddle.Guests line up at an outdoor bar presented by Casamigos Tequila.Michelle Piper, Lisa Bales, and Natalia De Menzes make their way through the crowd.1921 Mount Dora offered Roasted Indian Oysters with Hearth-Baked Seminole Pumpkin and Preserved Lemon Butter.Executive Chef of 1921, Brenton Hillman, describes the dish to curious guests as he helps serve.The Cows ‘n Cabs country and western theme inspires guests to dress to impress.Stephanie Koshiol, Amy Stern, Julie Sutphin, Lindsay Fry, Angie Clifton, and Anne Kelley show off matching western hats.Charlie Boornazian and Greg McClosky also carry the western theming.Cows ‘n Cabs is also known for its special event booths. Harrison Garden of Clayton & Crume leather goods creates custom heat-stamped belts courtesy of Basil Hayden bourbon.Mary and Greg Naugle show off belts stamped with their nicknames.Jose Cuervo Tequila show off a Ford Bronco designed after their Devil’s Reserve.Guests check out a wood-paneled camper, presented by Bulleit Frontier Whiskey, complete with mattress and pillows.Jack Daniels staff serve whiskey drinks from a giant barrel.Reel Fish Coastal Kitchen owner Fred Thimm helps his staff prep their event dish.Seafood Fritters and Fried Florida Shrimp Skewer was a hit with guests and hard to keep in stock. Hormel Foods satisfied pork lovers with pulled pork sandwiches made from a whole roasted pig.Staff from Morimoto Asia assemble Beef Tongue Steak Bao with Black Pepper Sauce.Cows ‘n Cabs guests take a break from dining and drinking to play Giant Jenga in an event lounge.John and Valerie Ledford, Mike and Catriona Harris, and Lisa and Eric Dullmeyer take a break in the Titos Handmade Vodka cantina.The view inside the main event tent from the rooftop VIP bar.Singer-songwriter Charly Reyonolds kicks off her set in the big tent.Peterbrooke Chocolatier was one of many participants to cover dessert. Their selection included the event-exclusive Dubai Truffle – based on the popular chocolate bar – with pistachios and knafeh.Salt & The Cellar offered a Chocolate Cigar filled with passion fruit mousse and cookie crumble.
