FLORENCE, SC – Thirteen restaurants in Florence joined together to battle for a good cause Friday night.
The second annual Mac Mayhem gathered people in downtown Florence for a macaroni and cheese cook-off.
Several hundred people came together to experience the mac and cheese, and for the businesses battling for the title of best mac and cheese, there was one goal for the night.
“We’re gonna win! Of course, I always think that,” said Chef Cooper Thomas with Victor’s Bistro.
Thomas says the competition is an opportunity to try something new with mac and cheese. For Victor’s Bistro, that change is fried lobster.
“It’s going to be really what people like. It’s fresh, it’s crispy, it’s a contrast to what the mac and cheese feels like when you’re tasting it. I think it’s going to be good,” said Thomas.
For some taste testers like Andrena Connor, when it comes to mac and cheese, it’s all about keeping it original.
“Well, I’m excited but I heard one of them has got like fish or something in it and I’m going to have to pass on that one,” said Connor.
Mac Mayhem is more than a competition. Money earned from the event goes to Harvest Hope Food Bank.
Nicole Echols with Harvest Hope says every ticket purchased will mean ten meals for families in need.
“Every dollar coming in here goes right back to feed the needy people. So, you can fill your belly with macaroni and cheese, and we can fill the bellies of other kids and families who are hungry,” said Echols.
Families who spent their Friday night at the cook-off say it was a great chance to have fun and give back to a good cause.
The Mac Mayhem Critic’s Choice award went to Victor’s Bistro, and the Most Creative award went to Wholly Smokin’.
