Restaurant Week GR: August 5-16, 2020

A New Recipe for 2020

It’s been a tough year for local restaurants – so we’re reinventing this year’s Restaurant Week GR to help you boost business and maximize profits. Throw everything you know from previous years about Restaurant Week GR out the window. This is all new and designed to be flexible and easy for you to participate. Restaurants located within Kent County are eligible to participate. Sign up by July 15.

RWGR Goes Digital

This year, Restaurant Week diners will download a digital pass to their smartphones through a digital link (not an app). They’ll use the pass to check in at participating restaurants, similar to how Foursquare and Untappd work. Diners will receive a digital return visit coupon at every restaurant they check in to. Experience Grand Rapids will also send them a special foodie-themed gift for checking in to four different restaurants from August 5-16.

Restaurant Commitment

Here's what you need to do in order to participate:

1. Review this entire web page first
    
2. Email Kate to notify us that you are planning to participate. Short and sweet! We just want to get you on our list ASAP.
    
3. Officially sign up here by July 15 or sooner. Here is what you will need to know before you can register:
   • Required: Provide a “bounce-back” offer – something to entice guests to return to your restaurant within 60 days of RWGR. Examples include BOGO, a 10% off, free dessert,  a free appetizer, it’s up to you. This will be a one time redemption offer.  This is required to participate
   • Optional: Decide if you want to offer a Prix-Fixe menu.
   • Optional: Decide if you want to offer any other Restaurant Week GR special offers or dishes that will be listed on the Restaurant Week GR website to further entice guests to visit your restaurant.
      
4. Train serving staff about RWGR. New this year, staff will need to know a 4-digit pin number that guests will ask for to allow them to check in. We will receive analytics at the end of Restaurant Week GR that can be shared with participants upon request.

No Fees

We’re waiving the usual fee for participation. We hope this will motivate even more restaurants to join in the festivities. Our intensive marketing and public relations campaign will drive customers to your door.

No Menu Requirements

In past years, restaurants were tasked to create special prix-fixe RWGR menus at specific points. We’re waiving that requirement this year.  You can create special menus to showcase your culinary process – but you don’t have to.

FREE Partner Perks

All participating restaurants will enjoy a complimentary Experience Grand Rapids partnership for the remainder of 2020. (Previously, you had to pay to be a partner to participate in Restaurant Week.)  Check out the benefits of partnership.

Additional Marketing Opportunity (Optional)

In the past, a gift card donation has been a requirement to participate in Restaurant Week GR. We are making this optional this year. If you would like additional marketing exposure and are able to do so, please send a gift card between $25-$50. We will use these gift cards for social media giveaways, as well as part of our public relations strategy with local media and influencers. They will be put to good use! Gift cards can be mailed to:

Experience Grand Rapids
Attn: RWGR
171 Monroe Ave NW Suite 545
Grand Rapids, MI 49503

We're Here to Help!

We recognize that the local culinary scene is critical to attracting tourists and business travelers. We want to help local restaurants thrive – and mobilizing community support through Restaurant Week GR is one way we’re doing it!

Questions? Contact Kate Lieto at KLieto@ExperienceGR.com