With over 200 participating restaurants, Local Restaurant Week kicks off today. This year there are 64 restaurants in the city alone, most of which are locally owned and operated, allowing for food-lovers to get out and try places that they might not normally be able to afford. It’s also a brilliant way for restaurants to attract unfamiliar patrons through their front doors.
WNY was recently ranked with the highest percentage of owner-operatedf independent businesses in the food service industry. We’re very lucky to have so many unique homegrown restaurants to choose from. As for the economic impact, according to the LRW website, that same industry is the region’s second largest employer. That means that the buck stops here, literally. Locally owned and operated businesses keep money circulating in the regional economy – see America’s Can Do Cities.
As of today, you have one week to go out and find your new favorite food places. For $21.11 (not sure why it’s not $20.11) you can try something new and different… that is the point after all. If the food offerings are up to normal standards, then hopefully a handful of customers will remain loyal to the restaurants that they try. Happy eating!