Do you love food? Of course you do. Who doesn’t? Food is not only essential for survival, but also a source of pleasure, culture, and community. And if you’re a food lover in New York City, you’re in luck. You have access to some of the most amazing food festivals in the world, thanks to MHG, the powerhouse behind the Uptown, Bronx, Brooklyn, Vegan, and Latin Night Markets.
But what makes MHG so special? How did they manage to create such successful and popular events, despite the challenges and competition? And what are their plans for the future? In this blog post, we’ll take you behind the scenes of MHG, their vision, and their upcoming events. You’ll discover how they are revolutionizing the food festival scene, from NYC to Long Island, Catskills, and beyond.
What is MHG and What Do They Do?
MHG is a hospitality group that specializes in creating culinary experiences for the love-to-eat community. Their mission is to celebrate cuisine, culture, and community through safe, affordable, and aesthetically pleasing events. They are also committed to supporting local businesses, especially those owned by women and people of color, by providing them with exposure and opportunities.
But MHG is not your typical event organizer. They are an industry innovator, constantly pushing the boundaries of creativity and diversity. Their events are not just about food, but also about entertainment, art, music, and social impact. They collaborate with various organizations, such as NYBG, SummerStage, NYRR, NYC Ferry, Central Park Foundation, and The Mayor’s Office, to create unique and memorable experiences for their guests.
You might think that organizing such events is a piece of cake, but you’d be wrong. It takes a lot of hard work, planning, and coordination to pull off such feats. MHG has to deal with complex event logistics, such as finding suitable venues, securing permits, hiring staff, managing vendors, promoting the events, and ensuring safety and quality standards. They also have to adapt to changing market conditions, such as customer preferences, trends, and demand. And they have to face fierce competition from other event organizers, who might try to copy or outdo them.
But MHG has a secret weapon: their team. MHG is powered by a predominantly female POC team, who are passionate, talented, and dedicated to delivering excellent customer experience. They leverage data analytics, tech innovation, and social media marketing to optimize their performance and reach. They also have a strong sense of purpose and vision, which guides their decisions and actions.
MHG has also been a catalyst for launching new businesses and careers. Through their events, they have helped over 20 businesses get started and worked with more than 600 food and merch vendors. They have also built a loyal and diverse fan base, thanks to their effective marketing campaigns and social media presence.
How MHG Overcame Challenges and Achieved Success
MHG’s journey has not been without challenges. They have had to overcome many obstacles and setbacks, some of which were beyond their control. One of the biggest challenges they faced was the global pandemic that disrupted the entire hospitality industry. Many events were canceled or postponed, and many businesses were forced to close or reduce their operations. MHG was no exception. They had to rethink their strategy, adapt to the new reality, and find ways to survive and thrive.
But MHG did not give up. They showed resilience, innovation, and perseverance. They pivoted their business model, shifting from large-scale events to smaller, more frequent, and more localized pop-ups. They also embraced digital platforms, such as online ordering, delivery, and live streaming, to connect with their customers and vendors. They also leveraged their network and partnerships, such as with NYBG, SummerStage, and NYC Ferry, to create new opportunities and collaborations.
In 2023, MHG bounced back with a vengeance. They reached new heights of success, hosting more than 50 events and 30 pop-ups, and attracting over 300,000 happy visitors. They also received rave reviews from the media and the public, earning recognition as one of the best food festivals in the city.
Marco Shalma, the owner of MHG, is thrilled with the results. He says, “We’re pumped about how much MHG has grown and made a splash in our community despite all the hurdles. Our focus on giving folks awesome experiences and supporting local businesses has really fueled our success. We’re looking forward to keeping this party going and taking our unique events to new folks in Long Island, the Catskills, and Texas!”
What’s Next for MHG?
MHG is not resting on its laurels. They have big plans for the future, with a strategic focus on expanding their reach and impact. They are aiming to bring their signature events to new locations, such as Long Island, the Catskills, and Albany, where they hope to introduce their distinctive blend of creativity, community focus, and diversity to new audiences.
But that’s not all. MHG is also venturing into new markets, such as Texas, where Marco Shalma is a partner in the Austin Night Market and the Austin Crawfish Festival. He is also working to launch the Houston Night Market and a rendition of the Latin Night Market in San Antonio in 2024.
Why Texas, you might ask? Well, Texas is a huge and diverse state, with a booming economy and a vibrant culture. It also has a lot of potential customers and vendors, who might be interested in MHG’s events. And, of course, Texas has some of the best food in the country, from barbecue to tacos to crawfish. MHG is excited to explore the Texas food scene and share their own flavors and flair with the locals.
MHG is on a mission to spread the love of food and culture across the country and beyond. They are confident that their events will continue to delight and inspire people of all backgrounds and preferences. They invite you to join them on their journey and experience the magic of MHG for yourself.
About MHG
MHG is a New York City-based hospitality group passionate about delivering culinary experiences for the love-to-eat community. With a focus on diversity, inclusivity, and equity, MHG is dedicated to producing safe, affordable, and aesthetically pleasing events such as Uptown, Bronx, Brooklyn, Vegan, and Latin Night Markets. The MHG works with various organizations, including NYBG, SummerStage, NYRR, NYC Ferry, Central Park Foundation, and The Mayor´s Office. Their predominantly female POC team is committed to delivering excellent customer experience, leveraging data analytics, tech innovation, and social media marketing. To learn more about MHG and their upcoming events, visit their website or follow them on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
Anthony is a passionate food enthusiast living in the bustling food scene of New York City. With an insatiable curiosity for culinary exploration, he loves exploring the city’s diverse eateries, seeking out unique flavors and sharing his gastronomic adventures with fellow food lovers.
