MeatBRAWL Competition & Benefit at Primo
A Rockland meatball tasting competition and benefit for AIO Food and Energy at Primo.
About the event
A Maine meatball invitational
MeatBRAWL Competition & benefit event for AIO Food Pantry is a restaurant and food-truck invitational centered on Maine meatballs. The format brings chefs and food trucks into a tasting showdown to determine who has the best meatball in Maine, with the event operating as a benefit for AIO Food and Energy.
The event takes place at Primo, a restaurant in Rockland. The venue is listed at 2 Main St, placing the competition in the city where the event is registered and where Primo is identified as the featured venue.
What ticket holders taste
Ticket holders receive tasting portions of all 14 competing meatballs. The food program also includes small bites from the Primo culinary team, so the tasting is not limited to the competition entries alone.
The known participant list includes Primo in Rockland, Salvatore’s Hoagie Shop and David’s Restaurant in Portland, Ada’s Kitchen in Rockland, Porcelli’s in Bar Harbor, Provender Kitchen + Bar in Ellsworth, The Laughing Loon in Norway, and Maillard at Sidereal Farm Brewery in Vassalboro. Siddharta Rumma of Fusillo is also identified among the featured people connected to the competition.
Voting and benefit elements
Winners are selected in two ways: guests vote for the Guests’ Choice or People’s Choice award, while a panel of Nonna Judges awards the 1st Place Judges’ Choice. The program also includes live music in the Barn, a cash bar, and a silent auction and raffle tied to the AIO Food and Energy Assistance benefit.
Organizers and timing
Chef Melissa Kelly of Primo Restaurant and Vanessa Santarelli of Your Maine Concierge are named as organizers of the benefit. The event is scheduled for Saturday, October 3, 2026, with the public-facing time listed as 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM EDT.
Frequently asked questions
What is served at the event?
Ticket holders receive tasting portions of all 14 competing meatballs, plus small bites from the Primo culinary team.
Which competitors or participants are named?
Named participants include Primo, Salvatore’s Hoagie Shop, David’s Restaurant, Ada’s Kitchen, Porcelli’s, Provender Kitchen + Bar, The Laughing Loon, and Maillard at Sidereal Farm Brewery. Siddharta Rumma of Fusillo is also identified among the featured people connected to the competition.
How are the winners chosen?
Guests vote for the Guests’ Choice or People’s Choice award, and Nonna Judges select the 1st Place Judges’ Choice.
What does the event support?
The event is a benefit for AIO Food and Energy Assistance, and the silent auction and raffle also support that organization.
Who organizes the event?
Chef Melissa Kelly of Primo Restaurant and Vanessa Santarelli of Your Maine Concierge are named as organizers.
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