Geneva Nodland
It was a gouda time for a grate cause as Fargo’s cheesiest competition, Cheesy for Charity, brought the community together to prove that when it comes to mac and cheese, everyone’s a big muenster fan!
The inaugural Cheesy for Charity Mac & Cheese Contest, organized by Area Director of Sales, S&L Hospitality Jae Dewald, and hosted at the Holiday Inn Fargo, brought together comfort food lovers and community supporters for an afternoon of cheesy indulgence. This delicious fundraiser saw local chefs, restaurants, and food trucks serving their unique takes on the classic dish, all in support of the United Way of Cass-Clay. With over a pound of mac and cheese samples available for each attendee and proceeds going to local food pantries and community programs, the event filled much more than just hearts!
This year’s participants included a tasty lineup, featuring the following restaurants:
84 Italian Steakhouse
Mac Daddy’s
Blarney Stone Pub & Eatery
Southtown PourHouse
NoBull Smokehouse
Piggy BBQ
Rustica Eatery & Tavern
Wurst Bier Hall
Savory Catering by Holiday Inn
Attendees perused the many macs, trying a test-sized bite of each restaurant’s pasta. Then, with a drop of an uncooked elbow noodle, attendees voted for their favorite mac and cheese.
But, of course, the day wasn’t just about the competition, it was about giving back. Guests could donate $5 to cast a second vote, which included the gift of a box of mac and cheese to local food shelves. This small act made a big difference in spreading the joy of this beloved dish to those in need.
Cheesy for Charity also offered sweet treats from Nothing Bundt Cakes and drinks. The event merged mac-n-cheese-culinary-creativity with a meaningful cause, donations made at the event went directly to the United Way to invest in the programs and innovative solutions best positioned to end the complex cycle of poverty.
The Winning Bite: Piggy BBQ
Piggy BBQ, a Fargo favorite known for its bold flavors and barbecue brilliance, claimed the top prize with its smoky, savory, and unforgettable creation! Their winning bowl featured their perfectly creamy mac n cheese complemented by bacon bits and BBQ sauce, with your choice of heat level of course. The dish that’s equal parts comfort and craftsmanship earned top reviews from attendees and ultimately, got the restaurant the win.
Full-service restaurant, bar, and caterer, The Piggy BBQ has a delicious fast, fresh, and fabulous legendary BBQ menu, paired with a collection of over 200 bourbon and whiskey options. Guests enjoy daily food specials and a can’t-miss happy hour, all in a welcoming and (yes!) family-friendly atmosphere!
This year, The Piggy BBQ proudly participated in the “Cheesy for Charity” event, which timed perfectly just before the holidays and provided an excellent platform for the restaurant to give back to the community while showcasing its top-notch culinary creations.
At the event, The Piggy BBQ introduced a new twist on classic comfort food, featuring their signature mac and cheese. This dish with all of its glorious additions was not previously on the menu, but it certainly left a memorable impression. Topped with housecanded bacon and finished with a drizzle of Piggy BBQ Sauce, the mac and cheese delivered the perfect balance of creamy, salty, sweet, and smoky flavors, with just the right hint of spice. By a clearly popular, demand, this delightful creation is set to become a staple on their menu.
In the spirit of the holiday season, The Piggy BBQ is offering a special promotion: a free bottle of Piggy BBQ Sauce or Piggy Rub with every $50 gift card purchase. Additionally, they are offering corporate gift cards and catering promotions, making it easier than ever to spread the joy of great food—reach out to [email protected] for more info!
Whether you’re dining in or planning a special event, The Piggy BBQ is ready for you!
With plans already in motion for next year’s contest, the inaugural event has set a high bar. From the incredible turnout to the overwhelming generosity of the Fargo-Moorhead community, Jae Dewald’s Cheesy for Charity proved that sometimes, the cheesiest ideas can do the most good.
