BROOKHAVEN — Taste of the Trust favorite vendor for 2024 is a repeat winner. Trey Maddox of Maddox Cheesecakes took first place for the second year in a row after the people voted on their favorite of 15 vendors Thursday night. 

The Taste of the Trust raises money each year for the Brookhaven Trust. The Trust was founded in 1991 by a group of local citizens committed to preserving Brookhaven’s heritage and promoting cultural events locally. 

The annual event raises funds to help with historical preservation and beautification projects, such as the lights along the tops of business facades downtown. Attendees had options to sample vendors Sweet & Petite Bakery, The Cheesecake Guy, Poppa’s Buffet & Grill, La Mariposa, Mississippi Ice Daiquiri Shop, Magnolia Blues BBQ Company, Tortilla Soup, Betty’s Eat Shop, Mitchell’s Catering, Wild Fox Coffee, Broma’s Deli, Maddox Cheesecakes, and PJs Coffee.

Trey Maddox held a sign that said People’s Choice Award and grinned as he admired it. This year’s Taste of the Trust win required some ingenuity as he put together new cheesecake flavors. One of them was an unlikely match, jalapeno, peanut butter and jelly. 

“We had to create some new flavors this year. It feels really good to win. There are a lot of good vendors and food here,” Maddox said. “It feels good to be picked over everyone who was here. We like coming to this event. This is our second year that we have been involved.” 

Lincoln Outfit brought the entertainment, people brought the conversation and vendors like Maddox brought delicious food and beverages. 

Warm weather allowed for more people to spill out into the courtyard where they stood at tables illuminated by string lights and talked the night away. The smell of freshly lit cigars drifted through. It really was a taste of what Brookhaven has to offer. 

“It means a lot to Brookhaven. It helps to provide samples to as many people as we can,” Maddox said. “It is good for the small businesses in Brookhaven and makes our downtown and small businesses better. I appreciate it and am thankful for the event. We hope to come back next year.”