What is Taste of Olean?

Olean Business Improvement Association and Jamestown Community College launched the first Taste of Olean in 1991.  Taste of Olean was such a natural idea...with the number of great restaurants we have in the Olean area, the idea of having them all come together to give attendees a ‘taste’ of their great food was just exciting, stated committee members.  The original Tastes were held in Lincoln Park , where upwards of 7,500 people would attend the event.
 
Taste is a great way for the restaurateurs to showcase their talents.  This is a great opportunity to promote the restaurant’s famous dishes, as well as introduce a new menu item.  For the ‘Tastes’ segment of the event, the committee is encouraging restaurants to present “tastes” of foods, not whole meals or sandwiches - smaller portions with affordable costs between 50 cents and $3.50.

The Taste committee also include additional activities and entertainment to draw more people to the fun filled event.  WPIG-FM Radio Station and Shurfine have sponsored the Buffalo Bills tailgate area where the Bills football game will be broadcast, as well as, sign-ups for the Shurfine BBQ basket, loaded with goodies for the winner to have their own tailgate party.  Olean Theatre Workshop hosts the Taste of Talent showcasing local talent entertainment.  The Hospitality Wall of Fame (which began in 2007) recognizes individuals and/or businesses who have made a significant contribution and given exceptional service to the food service/ hospitality industry in the past and who may continue to do so.