Feast with the Beasts – Restaurants

Feast Information

Join us on Friday, May 2, for one of the Zoo’s most anticipated events! Guests can enjoy live entertainment throughout the event and sample cuisine from Houston’s best eateries as featured animal residents enjoy culinary enrichment themselves. VIP ticket holders may also take advantage of the exclusive VIP lounge with unlimited beer and wine, exclusive entertainment, and visits from special animal ambassadors throughout the evening.

Your participation at Feast with the Beasts is an opportunity for you to contribute to our wildlife saving mission. All costs incurred may be considered a contribution to the Houston Zoo, a Section 501(c)(3) corporation. Plus, your establishment will be recognized on the event webpage and in the event program and map.

If you have any questions about participation, please email feast@houstonzoo.org.

Participating Restaurants

As a contributing culinary institution, benefits include:

Receive 10 general admission daytime tickets to the Zoo
Inclusion in the event program, map, and web page
Each restaurant is eligible to receive a $500 stipend to offset labor costs, to be paid after the event (Completion of the Zoo’s supplier packet is required, to be provided upon confirmation of participation.)

Each participating eatery will:

Provide sample-sized portions for up to 2,500 guests
Follow all safe-food handling protocols as outlined by the health department, including providing any heating and cooling devices needed to keep all food at a safe temperature. (Ice will not be provided.)
Must provide a copy of their Certificate of Insurance (COI) by April 4 in order to participate
Complete and return the City of Houston’s Temporary Food Dealers Permit no later than April 4 to feast@houstonzoo.org (Note: The Houston Zoo pays for all fees.)

The Zoo will provide:

A 10×10 set up space with pop-up canopy tent
Two 8’ tables with linens for prep and serving
One 8’ table with sanitization supplies as required by the health department

Register to participate in Feast below

Sign-up form

Restaurant/Business Name*
Contact Name*
Contact Email*
Event Day Contact Name*
Event Day Contact Email*
Event Day Contact Phone Number*
Chef's Name*
# of Vehicles Parking at the Event*
A maximum of two vehicles are allowed per booth. No one under the age of 21 will be permitted.
What menu items will be served?*

Sample-sized portions should be provided for a minimum of 2,500 guests. Please indicate any vegan, vegetarian, seafood, or shellfish.
Will your booth require power?*
Please let us know the wattage and/or voltage requirements of any appliances you will be using. We must have this information no later than April 4, 2025.
Will your booth require the use of propane?*
Which of the following supplies will you require for serving?*
- Select All
- Plates
- Bowls
- Napkins
The Zoo will provide reusable cutlery for Feast guests. No single-use plastic or styrofoam is permitted. If providing your own serve ware, it must be compostable.
Please include any additional notes or comments here.

If you have additional questions, please email feast@houstonzoo.org and our team will be in contact with you.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When and where is this event?

It will be held on Friday, May 2, 2025, at Houston Zoo. VIP guests will begin entering at 6:00 p.m. Food will be served until 9:30 p.m. The event ends at 10:00 p.m. Please plan to arrive between 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. to set up your station.

How many sample-size portions need to be provided?

Each participating restaurant is asked to provide a minimum of 2,500 sample-size portions of a dish or dishes that reflect its signature cuisine.

Will the Zoo have an on-site kitchen available for use?

We will not have an on-site kitchen available for use. Ice, coolers and sternos will not be provided, but you will be required to keep your food at appropriate temperatures.

How many staff members may each restaurant bring?

You may have a maximum of four people working your station (must be 21 years of age or older). The Houston Zoo will provide volunteers to help answer questions or help with requested (prior to the event) supplies to maintain your station.

Is parking provided?

A minimum of two vehicles will be permitted. Load-in and parking details will be provided closer to the event.

Is this tax-deductible?

All costs may be considered a contribution to Houston Zoo, Inc. a Section 501(c)(3) corporation. The amount of the contribution that may be deductible for federal income tax purposes is the excess value contributed by the donor over the value of the good and services received.

Who should I email if I have any other questions?

Please email feast@houstonzoo.org if you have any further questions.