By Sarah Conery
Sarah Conery is a freelance correspondent reporting for the Steelers at the NFL Draft in Green Bay
With crowds exceeding maximum capacity on day one, the 2025 NFL Draft is underway in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Members of the Pittsburgh delegation are observing the event closely as they prepare to 'be on the clock' as the host city for the 2026 NFL Draft. Hosting the Draft in Green Bay has positively impacted local small businesses, tourism, and development projects.
Local businesses benefiting directly from the Draft coming to Green Bay, were selected as draft vendors through the NFL SOURCE program. SOURCE is a procurement program that provides the opportunity for event-ready local businesses and certified diverse businesses to gain subcontracting opportunities with the NFL during events like the Draft. SOURCE also provides networking and capacity building opportunities for participants.
Local Wisconsin businesses selected to be food vendors at the 2025 Draft vendors, include Not By Bread Alone, Lil Jamaica, Chandler House Bakery, Heaven's Table BBQ, Legendary Gyros, Brewed Coffee Shop, Brokogi, La Tacoyota Food Truck, and The Marq Supper Club.
April Chandler, co-owner of Chandler House Bakery has shared her story of becoming a Draft vendor. Chandler House Bakery began during COVID with Chandler baking out of her home, giving the business its namesake. Chandler shared that she has "a background in all things baking and patisserie", having went to culinary school in 2011. Community support for her business led her to leave her fulltime job and expand her business to a brick and mortar location in Watertown, Wisconsin, after roughly a year and a half in business. "I couldn't be more grateful for my community and the opportunity to grow my roots here" said Chandler.
Chandler House Bakery was selected as a vendor for the 2025 Draft in early March. Chandler and her wife (co-owners of the business) said they heard about the SOURCE program through the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce. After attending an informational session about SOURCE, they submitted an application to participate.
Chandler House Bakery, known for their chocolate chip cookies, is serving up cookies, a homemade peanut butter cup in the shape of a football, lemon raspberry cheesecake, cream puffs, and an extra cheddary, savory snack mix at the three day event in Green Bay.
When asked what she would share with prospective Pittsburgh businesses, Chandler said "the networking and the relationship building is huge. It gets you in front of the right people and gives you the opportunity to ask questions." Chandler urges participants to attend the in-person events hosted by SOURCE and research businesses that have participated as Draft vendors in previous years. As a Pittsburgh fan and 2025 Draft vendor, Chandler hopes to travel to Pittsburgh to attend the 2026 Draft to "enjoy it as a fan and not as a vendor."
Another local business owner selected to become a vendor in Green Bay is Juan Contreras of La Tacoyota Food Truck. La Tacoyota Food Truck has been in business for four years and allows Contreras to bring his culture and cuisine to events. Originally from Mexico City, Contreras shared that he gained citizenship and has lived in the US for the past 25 years.
Family and friends of Contreras urged him to apply as a vendor when they heard about the Draft coming to Green Bay. "It's a great opportunity" said Contreras, who shared that he upgraded to a larger food truck to meet capacity demands and accommodate larger crowds like those at the Draft. Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC), located in Green Bay, acted as a resource and shared information with Contreras about participating in the SOURCE program.
La Tacoyota Food Truck is known for their tacos but serves a variety of Mexican food. For the Draft, American and Caribbean menu items have been added to offer greater variety for attendees. Contreras mentioned that he is collaborating with local business partners to offer these additional menu items. When asked about a must-try menu item offered during the Draft, Contreras shared about his specialty nachos with a melted, white cheese blend.
Looking ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft, small, local and diverse businesses in the Pittsburgh area can apply to SOURCE and have the opportunity to showcase their business at the event. Businesses looking to participate, should save the May 7th, 2025 application deadline on their calendars. When asked what advice he would give to Pittsburgh businesses interested in participating in the SOURCE program, Contreras said "never give up…keep pushing it."
