CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Twenty restaurants will participate in the fourth annual Charleston Restaurant Week, which runs from Jan. 23-28.
A variety of restaurants will participate, including eateries that serve Americana, Mexican, Greek and Italian cuisines among others.
Dickinson Gould, the president and owner of Buzz Food Service, said at a preview event Thursday the week serves as a way for people to learn about the array of restaurants based in Charleston.
“In some small way, I do believe it is changing consumers’ perception and understanding of what’s a locally owned and operated restaurant versus what’s a chain restaurant,” Gould said. “Every town in America can proudly say that they have a T.G.I. Friday’s and an Applebee’s. This event is about celebrating the places that are unique to Charleston that only exist here and make this a special, great place to work, eat and play.”
Buzz Food Service initially started the event in 2014, which was held less than three weeks after the Elk River chemical spill.
“No one would call that good timing in any way,” Gould said. “But it just so happened that after a few weeks of being held up at home, being uncertain about the water supply, certainly not eating out, the public was really ready to come out and eat again.”
Gould said the week benefits both customers and restaurant owners alike.
“In year three, we actually estimated that more than 10,000 meals were served during Restaurant Week at a total economic impact of more than $500,00,” Gould said. “During the first year years of the event collectively, the economic impact would exceed $1 million, we believe.”
To participate in Charleston Restaurant Week, Gould said a ticket is not necessary, though he encourages people to make reservations at any participating restaurant.
For a list of participating restaurants, click here.