Fare Share: (614) Restaurant Week is July 25-30

Central Ohio, are you ready for (614) Restaurant Week?

More than 100 central Ohio restaurants are preparing for the week of July 25-30 – an opportunity for central Ohio restaurants to be front and center as chefs carefully craft three-course menus, ranging from $20 to $50 per person, to highlight a restaurant’s culinary style.

Many Ohio Restaurant Association members eagerly are participating in the annual event and look forward to welcoming in both loyal customers and first-time guests to their restaurants.

“There are so many restaurants in Columbus doing amazing things” said Bob Szuter, cofounder of Wolf’s Ridge Brewing. “Restaurant week is a great opportunity to access a great showcase of some of what they’re all offering. The pandemic has hit a lot of us hard and we welcome an opportunity to share with our guests what we love to do.”

Restaurant week comes at a pivotal time for central Ohio restaurants. According to the June Business Impact Poll conducted by the Ohio Restaurant Association, 39% of owners surveyed reported sales down compared to previous months in 2022. Additionally, 22% reported flat sales compared to previous months. At the same time, inflation is at a 41-year high, which is placing tremendous pressure on owners and operators to manage their business and maintain any profit.

“Our team is incredibly excited for restaurant week at Hubbard Grille in the Short North,” said Sheila Trautner, president of Taste Hospitality and past chair of the ORA board of directors. “Everyone knows the ongoing struggles with inflation, supply chains and labor shortages, and while those issues continue to impact the industry, restaurant week brings a welcomed excitement. It allows our chef to get creative and our team to showcase the hospitality that defines our industry and Columbus’ food scene.”

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As restaurants to continue to feel the effects of inflation, consumers are navigating rising prices and dwindling expendable income. One of the best aspects of restaurant week is the affordability, which allows customers to dine out at a fixed cost at the best restaurants greater Columbus has to offer.

I encourage you to visit as many new restaurants or longtime favorite as your time and budget allow. It is the perfect opportunity to try an array of cuisines, visit parts of the city you may not always get a chance to see and check a few restaurants off your “must try” list.

Restaurants are ready to welcome you in, serve up fantastic food and celebrate with you.

John Barker is the president and CEO of the Ohio Restaurant Association.

This article originally appeared on ThisWeek: Fare Share: (614) Restaurant Week is July 25-30