Death By Chocolate 

 

Thursday, April 1, 2027

VIP Access begins at 5:00 p.m.

General Admission at 5:30 p.m.

 

Location: Bryant Conference Center

240 Paul W Bryant Drive, Tuscaloosa, Alabama

 

Proceeds to Benefit Family Counseling Service

 

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Join us for Death By Chocolate 2027!

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Each spring, some of West Alabama’s favorite restaurants, bakeries, caterers and chocolate creators come together for Death By Chocolate, Family Counseling Service’s signature annual fundraiser. Hundreds of guests gather to sample incredible chocolate creations, vote for their favorites and celebrate the talented culinary community that makes the evening possible.

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We would love to have you join us as a 2027 Chocolate Vendor! Participation is a great opportunity to showcase your business to hundreds of local guests while supporting Family Counseling Service and the individuals and families we serve throughout West Alabama.

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More Than a Competition

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Death By Chocolate is designed to give participating vendors an opportunity to engage directly with hundreds of guests, showcase their culinary talent and promote their business while supporting an important community cause. Each creation will also be evaluated by our professional judges, with awards presented in multiple categories.

 

2027 Award Categories

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• People’s Choice Award

• Chef’s Choice Award

• Best Presentation

• Best Traditional Dessert

• Best Special Dietary Dessert

• Most Innovative Creation

• Best Table Décor

• Death by Chocolate Buzz Award (awarded to the vendor who creates the most social media buzz for the event)

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Every participating vendor is eligible for the People’s Choice and Chef’s Choice Awards, as well as applicable specialty categories.

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Meet Our Judges

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Cam Parsons Jr. is a local attorney with Parsons Firm, P.C., a member of the Family Counseling Service Board of Directors and a graduate of Johnson & Wales culinary school in Denver. Cam brings several years of professional culinary experience to the judging panel.

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Robert Bowden, known as “Mr. Chocolate,” is the owner of Viveré Chocolates, specializing in custom corporate chocolate gifts. A Tuscaloosa native and University of Alabama alumnus, Robert has judged tasting events nationwide and was recognized as a 2017 Black Enterprise Modern Man of Distinction.

 

Who Can Participate

 

• Each entrant must be a licensed food server (e.g., restaurant, caterer or cottage food license holder) and must register or already be on the Conference Cetner preferred vendor list.

• Each entrant must have a current food service license issued by the Tuscaloosa County Health Department and current insurance coverage.

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What You'll Provide

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• Entrants may enter one or two chocolate items, but no more than two.

• Entrants must provide enough of each chocolate item entered to allow tasting by 400 individuals.  (Tastings need to be small; a tasting should be ample, but does not need to be a full serving.)

• Remember to bring any napkins, forks, plates, etc. that are required in order to enjoy your dessert.

 

What FCS Provides

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• 6' x 2' table and two chairs; designated vendor space; tablecloth if requested; access to electricity; opportunity to display business information and promotional materials.

• We ask that you keep any serving or decorative items on or behind your table, within the alloted 6' x 8' space, including tents, banners, signage, etc.

• You may use your own tablcloth or indicate that you want one provided for you.  Entrants will be responsible for providing other décor for their table.  Entrants may use their table to exhibit business information and promotions.  We encourage you to use this opportunity to promote your business!

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Event Day Information

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• Entrants will have access to the Conference Center starting at 2:00 p.m. and must arrive at the Bryant Conference Center no later than 3:30 p.m. Each vendor event must have at least one person on hand to staff their table throughout the event (until 7:00 p.m.).  Participants should be set up and ready to serve no later than 4:30 p.m.

• Entrants will have access to the loading entrance at the rear of the Conference Center, but must move any vehicles away from the entrance unless actively loading or unloading.

• Family Counseling Service reserves the right to request that a display be scaled back to the appropriate space.

• Vendors will not have access to the kitchen.

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Registrations must be received no later than February 10, 2027. 

 

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