"We've got people making multiple trips each week and demand is high," Stock said.
Several new businesses have been tapped to serve food at this year's Taste of the Town. Here's a taste of what to expect from a few of the newbies:
Black Eyed Susan Restaurant & Catering, Halfway
Pastas, steaks and plenty of seafood entrées are on the menu. The restaurant's owner and chef, John Walla, has 22 years of culinary experience and says his restaurant reflects what he likes to eat when he dines out. The location used to be a sub shop, Hickory Corner, a past Taste of the Town participant.
Bulls and Bears, Hagerstown
The soon-to-open restaurant will serve traditional American entres - everything from slippery potpie to filet mignon. It is expected to open in the city's arts and entertainment district in mid-October, said Bulls and Bears general manager Steve Kemmet, formerly the chef and general manager of Antietam Cafe and Wine Bar in Sharpsburg.
Il Castello Pizzeria & Tex Mex II, west of Hagerstown
The restaurant makes its own pasta and bread and has another location in State Line, Pa. As the name suggests, it's a full-service Italian and Tex-Mex restaurant.
Emerald City Coffee & Bistro, east of Hagerstown
A new edition to the Robinwood area, the coffee shop serves paninis, wraps and pastries and plenty of java. Owner Michael Collins used to live in Seattle and, consequently, has high expectations for coffee.
If you go...
WHAT: Taste of the Town & Benefit Auction
WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 5. Silent auction begins at 5 p.m., Live auction begins at 7 p.m.
WHERE: The Athletic, Recreation, and Community Center (ARCC) at Hagerstown Community College, off Robinwood Drive, east of Hagerstown. To get to the ARCC, turn into campus and turn left onto Scholar Drive.
COST: Single tickets cost $35. $350 for a table of eight, includes a listing as a sponsor in the program
MORE: For tickets and other information, call 301-733-2371 or e-mail reach@myactv.net.
Restaurants participating at this year's Taste of the Town:
o Barefoot Bernie's Bar & Grille
o Black Eyed Susan Restaurant & Catering
o Bulls and Bears
o Café Italia
o Cracker Barrel
o Edible Arrangements
o Emerald City Coffee & Bistro
o Firehouse Grill
o Good Humor/Breyers
o Hempen Hill BBQ Bar & Grill
o Higher Ground Coffee
o Il Castello Pizzeria & Tex Mex II
o Java Bean Coffee Bar
o Leiters' Fine Catering
o LJs & The Kat Lounge
o Maloo's Pub & Grill
o Moe's Southwest Grill
o Next Dimensions
o Rita's Water Ice
o Sheetz MTO
o Tastefully Simple
o The Meadows Original Frozen Custard
o Waffle House
