Raise a Forkie to region’s best

Published 12:10pm 21 September 2020

In a year that has been particularly tough for businesses in the hospitality industry, there has never been a better time to show local cafes, restaurants, clubs and pubs some love.

The Forkies Eat and Drink Awards are back for a second helping, after a successful first course last year.

The awards aim to uncover and celebrate the freshest, most inventive and memorable venues — determined by the experts; Moreton Bay Region locals.

Successful first course

Last year, more than 50 cafes, restaurants and bars rallied locals to get behind their campaign to claim top prize in the inaugural awards.

Almost 10,000 votes poured in from local foodies, who ate and drank their way around the region, and their votes were used to determine the winners.

They are being asked to do it again, supporting the region’s hospitality industry which has been doing it tough as a result of the COVID-19 shutdown and subsequent restrictions.

Moreton Bay Region Industry & Tourism (MBRIT) CEO Shane Newcombe is asking for the region’s hospitality businesses to step up to the plate once again and nominate themselves for the chance to win a share of over $30,000 in cash and prizes.

“We’re thrilled to bring back The Forkies in 2020 and hope to turn a few frowns upside down, despite the tough year that many of our local businesses have experienced.”

“The Forkies is a great excuse to give our local businesses an excuse to brag about themselves and rally the support of the public. It’s a bit of fun and a great reminder for locals to buy, shop and support our local businesses.”

With over $30,000 worth of cash and prizes up for grabs, MBRIT is hoping to dish-up some healthy competition between the nominees.

“Thanks to our amazing media partners, the overall winner will take home $2,000 cash as well as an advertising package that includes billboard advertising, a social media and brand package, videography and photography services as well as advertising in Dolphins News and on Moreton Daily.”

Moreton Bay Region Mayor Peter Flannery says the region’s food scene is coming of age.

“The level of sophistication and quality you’re seeing in our local food scene today would have been inconceivable a decade ago,” he says.

“The fact that local foodies are still daring to push culinary boundaries is something worth celebrating, especially after everything the tourism and hospitality industry has been through in this pandemic.

“Council has refunded food licence fees to help businesses through this period, but what they really need is your support. So give your favourite local café, restaurant, or watering hole the recognition they deserve by nominating them for an award in this year’s Forkies.”

Get involved

The Forkies will have 10 categories this year including two new-comers: Best family dining experience and Best dog-friendly venue.

Nominations open on September 21, and businesses owners are being encouraged to nominate themselves for this year’s awards so their customers can back them, when voting opens on October 2. Voting will close on October 11.