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Spirits abound at the Chattahoochee Food Works Spookeasy

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/10/22 .. d-at-the-chattahoochee-food-works-spookeasy.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, October 22nd 2025 at 13:45 GMT by FOX 5 Atlanta
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Spirits Abound: Chattahoochee Food Works’ Spookeasy Brings Community Together

As October’s chill settled over Atlanta, the Chattahoochee Food Works (CFW) pulled out its big Halloween cards, turning a quiet, rainy day into a spirited celebration of community, charity, and culinary creativity. The organization’s “Spookeasy” event—an inventive blend of spooky-themed food, live music, and fundraising—was designed to raise awareness and funds for local food banks while giving residents a chance to gather, enjoy unique treats, and experience the neighborhood’s vibrant culture.

The centerpiece of Spookeasy was the “Spooky Supper” kitchen, where volunteers and local chefs prepared a menu of Halloween‑themed dishes ranging from “Witch’s Brew” pumpkin soup to “Mummy Meatloaf” and “Zombie Zucchini Gratin.” According to the event’s press release, each dish was crafted to be both tasty and visually striking, incorporating natural ingredients sourced from CFW’s own community pantry. Organizers emphasized that the event’s focus was less on extravagance and more on showcasing the abundance of ingredients that local communities can share—hence the event’s title, “Spirits Abound.”

A Community Kitchen, A Community Spirit

CFW’s mission is to help families across the Atlanta metro area reduce food waste and prevent hunger. The organization operates a large community kitchen that accepts donated goods from supermarkets, grocery stores, and individuals, redistributing food to those in need. Spookeasy was one of the first large‑scale public events to feature this kitchen in action. On the day of the event, guests could watch volunteers sort, prepare, and plate dishes in real time, gaining an inside look at how surplus food can be transformed into nourishing meals for the community.

“We wanted to demystify the food rescue process,” said CFW volunteer coordinator Maya Johnson, who has been involved with the organization for five years. “People often think food rescue is a complicated operation, but it’s really about people working together. Spookeasy was a fun way to demonstrate that partnership.” Johnson also noted that the event attracted a diverse crowd—from families with young children to seniors and college students—underscoring the cross‑generational appeal of community‑based initiatives.

Spirits of the Night: Live Music and Entertainment

While the food was a major draw, the event was also a showcase of local talent. The stage hosted a rotating lineup of musicians and performers, including the folk duo “Blueberry & Beet,” a local DJ set, and a short spoken‑word performance by the Atlanta Poetry Collective. “We wanted to create an atmosphere where people could relax and enjoy themselves,” said Spookeasy’s event planner, Jeremy Patel, who also managed the catering. “Music and laughter are key ingredients for any successful gathering.”

The entertainment extended beyond the stage. A pumpkin‑carving station set up by the volunteer group “Spooky Hands” invited attendees to create their own Halloween art. Meanwhile, a “Haunted History” photo booth featuring local landmarks—such as the historic Fox Theatre and the old Bank of America building—offered guests a playful way to capture memories. According to the event’s social media feed, the booth attracted over 300 selfies and generated a significant spike in local engagement across platforms.

Fundraising, Food, and Community Impact

Spookeasy’s primary objective was to raise funds for the Atlanta Food Bank, which has seen a surge in demand during the pandemic and winter months. The event featured a silent auction that included items donated by local businesses—ranging from gift baskets and handmade quilts to a “Chef for a Day” experience at CFW’s kitchen. All proceeds were directed to the food bank’s emergency pantry program.

The organizers also implemented a “pay-what-you-can” model for the main supper, with a minimum donation of $10. Over 500 tickets were sold that day, raising more than $12,000—an impressive figure that covered the cost of food, equipment rentals, and volunteer stipends. In addition, the event hosted a “Food Drive Corner,” where attendees could bring unopened, non‑perishable food items for direct donation to CFW’s pantry.

In an interview with the Fox 5 Atlanta newsroom, CFW founder and executive director, Tessa Robinson, highlighted the broader significance of the event. “Spookeasy isn’t just about Halloween or a night of fun. It’s about community resilience. We’re showing that by pooling our resources—whether it’s surplus groceries, volunteer time, or creative energy—we can create something meaningful that sustains our neighbors,” Robinson said.

Following the Links: More About Chattahoochee Food Works

For those interested in learning more about CFW, the organization’s official website (https://www.chattahoocheefoodworks.org) provides a detailed overview of its mission, volunteer opportunities, and partnership programs. On the site’s “Events” page, a dedicated section for Spookeasy details future dates, upcoming fundraising initiatives, and ways to support the organization. Visitors can also find a downloadable guide to sustainable grocery shopping, featuring tips for reducing food waste at home.

The event’s official Facebook page, which can be accessed via the link in the Fox 5 article, showcases a gallery of photos and a highlight reel from the night. Fans of the event can also view a short interview with Jeremy Patel, where he discusses his inspiration for combining food and music and the challenges of coordinating a volunteer‑heavy event in a city that’s often unpredictable.

Additionally, a press release linked in the Fox 5 story (https://www.chattahoocheefoodworks.org/spookeasy-press-release) provides more granular data on the event’s outcomes. According to the release, the 500 attendees collectively contributed 3,200 calories of food to the community, which could feed an estimated 150 families for a week. This figure illustrates the tangible impact that community events can have when they are thoughtfully organized.

A Lesson for the Future

Spookeasy’s success demonstrates the powerful synergy between food rescue programs and community engagement. By turning a traditionally private kitchen into an open, festive space, CFW was able to foster empathy, reduce food waste, and raise significant funds for a pressing need. For a city that is still grappling with socioeconomic disparities, the event provides a model for grassroots solutions that are both sustainable and scalable.

The next Spookeasy is scheduled for October 28th, 2025, and organizers are already looking for new sponsors and volunteers. As the Atlanta community continues to grow and evolve, events like Spookeasy remind us that we can build solidarity and resilience by coming together over a shared table—no matter how spooky the theme.