Colorado Springs Restaurant Week wrapped up this past Sunday. The event ran from October 9-18, with more than forty local restaurants participating. From American cuisine, to Cajun, to fondue, there were a wide variety of establishments that joined this year. During this time, all participating restaurants offered meals for two within a price range of 30-60 dollars.
Jeff Kiepke, owner of Mona Lisa Fondue Restaurant, notes that while Restaurant Week does not bring in high profits for his business, it brings in more customers. He likes to be busy, especially in a slow month like October. “This time of year, usually business slows down and October can be very bad for business. This idea came along several years ago. It gets people in the local community to remember your business is still out there.”
This was the fourth annual Colorado Springs Restaurant Week and Dave Brackett, proprietor of Pizzeria Rustica, says that he has had a generally positive experience in past years. This year, however, was the best-promoted year ever (thanks to the Colorado Springs Gazette) and that becoming involved in Restaurant Week is a great deal with great exposure considering the hundred-dollar investment. “It is not a moneymaker, but could potentially bring some new customers who will come back. Many though are regulars taking advantage of the deal who would have come anyway.”
Pizzeria Rustica is not only an award-winning restaurant in our city, but a four star Certified Green Restaurant. It is the highest rated in Colorado and among the top ten in the nation. “Restaurants have a very large carbon footprint and we have taken great steps to decrease the environmental impact of your dining experience.”
When asked about the impact of Restaurant Week, Brackett responded “This event raises the profile of our restaurant community when things are generally falling off after the tourist season and going into fall weather. Bottom line is it’s a great value for the customer and a good way to experience new things on the Colorado Springs restaurant scene at a great price.”
The Public House, a pub and grill on Cheyenne Mountain Boulevard, also raved about Restaurant Week. “This year’s experience was a great one!” says Haleigh McCartan. This is the second year that the Public House has been involved with Restaurant Week. “This event boots our business each year by bringing customers to us that are here for their first experience. Not only that, but it allows us to offer discounts and specials to our existing customers.” McCartan concluded, “We enjoyed the community feeling of being a part of Restaurant week and met many other industry workers and owners of local business through the promotion. My personal favorite aspect of Restaurant Week is the push it gives to the community to go out and support local businesses.”