Winning awards is becoming a habit for Bestea Chill Out Cafe.
For the second year in a row, the Red Deer-based business brought home the Calgary Stampede's Best International Food Award. This year the Taiwanese bubble tea maker also received the Stampede's Best Beverage Award.
"We're just so happy. We were hoping for it. We tried our best, but you never know," said owner Kristina Mejica who was thrilled to win the beverage award.
She said Stampede judges rate the food booths, mystery shoppers visit to check on the quality of service and menu items, and there is a lot of competition on the Food Midway.
Bestea received its first food award from the Stampede in 2023 during it's first time at the famed event. It quickly proved a favourite among the thousands of visitors.
Mejica said customers who stopped by in 2023 were happy to see Bestea return for a second year.
"Some of the customers were looking for us because we were not at our old spot, but they finally found us."
She said despite the hectic pace of the Stampede, her crew was sad when the 10 days were over.
"We all had separation anxiety after the tear down and everyone was leaving."
Being a vendor at summer festivals all began for Bestea at Westerner Days in 2021. Customers can once again find it at the Red Deer celebration that runs until July 21. Bestea is located near the entertainment stage at The District.
Then it's back on the road for a non-stop summer of fairs and festivals that include visits to Medicine Hat, Saskatoon, the Edmonton Fringe and more, as well as opening another branch in Edmonton.
"Summer is always the busiest, and winter is when we all get a break."
Mejica and her husband Mel Cruz opened their first shop in Red Deer in January 2021.
