Local Restaurant Week begins Monday, October 15th. The Erie County Legislature declared October 15-21, 2012 as Local Restaurant Week in Erie County.
Lawmakers encourage residents dine at one of 200-area restaurants that are expected to participate.
Legislator Edward A. Rath delivered a proclamation at County Hall Thursday to organizers of the event at the start of the Legislature's session.
“I am thrilled to collaborate with organizers to promote Local Restaurant Week – 2012 and to announce that the Legislature has declared Oct. 15-21 as Local Restaurant Week in Erie County, helping to kick off this year’s event that celebrates the great local food, restaurants and people that the Buffalo region is known for,” said Legislator Edward A. Rath.
“We’ve got so many incredible independent restaurants right in our own neighborhoods that are a part of the culture here. Celebrating them during this week-long event is a win all the way around,” said Christa Hobart, Local Restaurant Week Event Coordinator. “I want to thank the County Legislature for officially declaring next week Local Restaurant Week in Erie County and hope the community comes out and enjoys some great meals throughout the week.”
“Local Restaurant Week has grown tremendously. As we enter our 8th event, I am impressed with the response. The money generated during the week circulates five times throughout the community and the anticipated economic impact has now reached $5 million. I can’t say enough about the outstanding local restaurants we have here in Western New York and the loyal diners who support them,” said Peter Longo, past President of the New York Restaurant Association's Western New York Chapter.
Also attending the event and speaking to the benefits of Local Restaurant Week were, Dan Garvey, manager of the Roycroft Inn; Jay Manno, owner of SOHO Burger Bar, and Bill Panzica, owner of Chocolate Bar.
Local Restaurant Week celebrates the local independently owned restaurants in Western New York and promoting our unique cultural scene.
It was formed in 2009 by Mike Andrzejewski, owner of SeaBar, Cantina Loco, and Mike A's.
Citizens who dine at participating restaurants receive a fixed price of $20.12. The week-long event also encourages them to skip national chain restaurants and instead support local independently owned restaurants.
You can learn more about the event at the Restaurant Week Website.