Local vendors are blasting this year’s Bite of Seattle, citing excessive fees, inadequate security and favoritism toward out-of-state businesses.
Multiple vendors reported break-ins during the three-day festival, with one booth suffering over $1,500 in losses. Seattle artist Courtney Correia said thieves “trashed my entire setup” and stole handmade goods.
Vendors also complained about the fee structure imposed by new festival operator FoodieLand, a California-based company that took over in 2023. Booth fees ranged from $1,500 to $3,250, plus mandatory use of FoodieLand’s payment system that charges 3% processing fees, 30 cents per transaction, and commissions up to 29%.
One vendor calculated that selling a $15 squid skewer would net just over $11 after fees, meaning hundreds of sales were needed just to cover booth costs.
An anonymous vendor alleged FoodieLand gave prime locations to businesses that follow its national circuit while relegating local vendors to low-traffic areas. Vendor contracts included clauses prohibiting public criticism of organizers.
The company reportedly used “secret shoppers” to monitor vendors and removed some mid-festival for accepting cash without logging sales in the official system.
Festival-goers also criticized high prices, with social media users dubbing the event the “Bite of your wallet” over items like $27 alligator bites.
Many vendors say the festival experience has declined noticeably since FoodieLand replaced the previous Kirkland-based operator.
