MYSTIC, Conn. (WTNH)– Traditionally Restaurant Weeks have been held to highlight local eateries and some say this year they are more important than ever.
Executive Chef David Standridge came from New York to help open The Shipwright’s Daughter right in the middle of the pandemic. Certainly a bit of a challenge as it has been from many restaurants some of which have shut down.
“We all know that hospitality and food beverage have been one of the hardest hit industries,” said Amanda Arling of The Shipwright’s Daughter.
That’s why Mystic’s Restaurant Week, which begins on Monday March 1, 2021, may be even more important this year.
“For Restaurant Week, we’re offering four courses for $40,” said Standridge.
In addition to dining specials there are other incentives to help the hard hit businesses. The first allows people who spend at least $75 on take-out to get some Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce swag.
“If you’re not sure you want to go into the restaurant, there’s still incentive to dine out,” said Bruce Flax, Interim Executive Director of the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce.
“You get tired after six months of what you know how to cook,” said Standridge. “You’re kind of done with it so take out is a huge part of the business right now.”
For those who dine in there is a ‘text to win’ contest.
The way the contest works is that each restaurant will have a certain word and that word can be texted by all the people at the table to a five digit number so they can be entered into the contest, which then brings in other businesses offering prizes.
“We’re trying to take a little bit of a different tact and do business to business and not just help the restaurants but help members as well,” said Flax.
“Restaurant week is really important,” said Robert Sullivan of Boardwalk Pizzeria in Niantic.
Niantic Main Street has a gift card giveaway as part of its restaurant week which has been expanded to ten days of dining specials from March 4th through the 14th.
Boardwalk Pizzeria is offering buy one pizza and get a second one of equal or lesser value for free.
“It’s not only just boosting the business it’s also getting more people aware that everyone’s here,” said Sullivan.
“We’re starting to emerge from… and see a light at the end of the tunnel,” said Flax.
Extra efforts leading to what they hope are brighter days to come.
