Published in the February 23, 2017 edition.
WAKEFIELD — Four local Chambers of Commerce, including the Wakefield Lynnfield Chamber of Commerce, will join together to sponsor Local Eats Week to encourage diners to visit and support restaurants and businesses in six-member communities. The event, which runs from Thursday, March 2nd to Sunday, March 12th, is similar to past years’ Restaurant Week activities sponsored by the Chambers within their respective communities.
Sponsored by the Wakefield Lynnfield, Stoneham, Reading-North Reading, and Melrose Chambers of Commerce, Local Eats Week will provide an opportunity for local establishments to showcase their menus and introduce new culinary choices at prices that will attract existing and new customers who wish to explore the local dining scene. According to the organizers, this year’s event will also encourage participation from non-food businesses through cross promotions and specials at area businesses and participating restaurants.
“Local Eats Week will be similar to ‘Small Business Saturday’ which encourages shoppers and diners to shop – and eat – local,” Wakefield Lynnfield Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Marianne Cohen said. “Several businesses in the six communities of Wakefield, Lynnfield, Stoneham, Reading, North Reading and Melrose have already signed on to offer discounts and specials when a diner presents a receipt from one of our participating restaurants. It’s a win-win for local businesses.”
Participation in Local Eats Week is open to all eating establishments in the six communities. Diners are encouraged to watch for breakfast, lunch, dinner, bakery and other food-related promotions throughout the week.
The Wakefield Lynnfield Chamber of Commerce has invited all Wakefield and Lynnfield restaurants to participate. To give back to the community, the Wakefield Lynnfield Chamber will donate a portion of their proceeds to its scholarship through The Scholarship Foundation of Wakefield.
Several dining establishments, including North Ave Diner, Harringtons, The Porch and Early Harvest in Wakefield, and Wahlburgers and California Pizza Kitchen in Lynnfield, have already agreed to participate. A list of participating restaurants and their promotions will be added to the Chamber website, www.wakefieldlynnfieldchamber.org, as well as on the Facebook page LocalEatsWeek, as they join in the event. Diners are encouraged to check back regularly for details. Additional information will also be available on social media using the hashtag #LocalEatsWeek17.
Local businesses that wish to participate by offering discounts to diners who present their receipt should email Executive Director Marianne Cohen marianne@wakefieldlynnfieldchamber.org to include their promotion.
Diners are also reminded to mention Local Eats Week before ordering.
Local restaurants that wish to participate in Local Eats Week can contact Chamber Executive Director Marianne Cohen at (781) 245-0741 or via email marianne@wakefieldlynnfieldchamber.org for additional information.
