Restaurant Week GR
November 1-9, 2024
One of the most gratifying things about Restaurant Week GR is the number of people who try new-to-them eateries during the eight-day promotion. That makes it a great opportunity to turn first-timers into regulars and build your customer base.
At the same time, regulars are looking for something out of the ordinary from their favorite restaurants. That’s why we’re encouraging you to create a special RWGR menu featuring items you don’t currently offer. You can choose to offer any combination of at least two courses priced at $25, $35 or $45. Of course, the higher the price, the more your guests will expect to be dazzled!
We know that staffing and food costs continue to be a challenge, so we’re waving many of the financial commitments you’ve been asked to make in prior years. See the opposite side of this letter for details.
Please join us for the city’s premier culinary event of the year. Please contact Jaylyn McCloy if you have any questions.
2024 Information
Download the 2024 Restaurant Week GR Information Sheet, or learn more below.
2024 Menu Format Options
Each restaurant will offer a prix fixe menu in one (or more) price tiers:
- $25
- $35
- $45
Meals must be a minimum of two courses but you can be as creative as you want beyond that: 3-course appetizer, entrée & dessert; 2-course appetizer & entrée; 2-course entrée & dessert; etc. We encourage you to offer related add-ons, e.g. a beer, cocktail or dessert for $X extra. Think of ways to upsell while still delivering great VALUE to your guests. NOTE: These prices do not include tax, tip or beverage.
Menu Guidelines
We recommend:
- Unique Menu Development: We encourage you to create a special Restaurant Week menu with unique items not featured on your regular menu. This is not a requirement but restaurants who do so will be prioritized for media interviews.
- Variety of Options: We have seen a direct correlation between more offerings and increased sales during Restaurant Week GR. We strongly suggest that you offer at least two options per course.
- Local Products: Please use and highlight local products as much as possible in your Restaurant Week menu.
Marketing Support
Participating restaurants will benefit from a flurry of online, TV/radio, print and outdoor advertising/ publicity, and also receive these in-store materials:
- Coasters*
- Promotional Rack Cards*
- Promotional Poster*
- Window Clings*
Note: *Spanish-language versions available upon request.
We are asking diners to check in to restaurants using Bandwango technology on their smartphones. We are once again incentivizing diners to visit multiple locations by offering a variety of free gifts through the digital pass. Diners will be encouraged to order from the special RWGR menu, but it is not required to check in. We’re also exploring a smartphone voting component for this year’s event.
Philanthropic Aspect
Experience Grand Rapids will contribute $1 per every Restaurant Week check-in to an endowed scholarship at GRCC Secchia Institute for Culinary Education, up to $5,000. Since 2010, Restaurant Week has donated over $160,000 to the scholarship fund - helping ensure a steady pipeline of culinary talent for local restaurants!
Restaurant Commitment
- Partner with EXGR: You must be a partner of Experience Grand Rapids to participate in Restaurant Week GR. The $250 annual fee entitles you to a range of year-round marketing benefits. Details at ExperienceGR.com/Partners.
- $50 Gift Card: OPTIONAL – you may mail a $50 gift card to Experience Grand Rapids to be used for additional marketing support. This is not required.
- Officially sign-up here. You will need your full Restaurant Week GR menu and the menu price point to complete the sign up. You will also be asked to create a 4 digit pin number that will be used for guests to check in.
- Train Serving Staff: On Restaurant Week procedures; present the RWGR menu to all guests during Restaurant Week GR 2024.
We are waiving the $100 participation fee once again this year and we are not requiring restaurants to offer a bounce-back coupon. We are looking out for your bottom line!
If you choose to send a gift card, please mail to:
Experience Grand Rapids
Attn: Restaurant Week GR
171 Monroe Ave NW Suite 545
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Not quite ready to officially sign up but know that you want to participate? Email Jaylyn a quick note to let her know that you are "in" and we will be sure you are included on all of our lists!
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! Gordon Food Service is the major sponsor of Restaurant Week GR. Their knowledgeable staff can assist you with menu creation, costing and more.
Questions?
Contact Jaylyn McCloy, Marketing Partnership Manager at JMcCloy@ExperienceGR.com or 616-233-3565.