Originating in 1992, Restaurant Week was created to draw publicity towards restaurants in New York City during the Democratic National Convention. Tim Zagat, creator of Zagat Guides, a restaurant reviewing service currently operating in 18 cities, first conceived the idea. His proposal allowed convention attendees to experiment with new and affordable dining experiences through various special offers. Now an annual tradition in New York City as well as many other locations such as Philadelphia, Denver, Phoenix, and Miami, Restaurant Week has made its way to Cherry Hill for the second straight year.

From August 16-23, 15 local restaurants offered either a $25 or $35 three-course dinner menu as a part of Restaurant Week.  The restaurants that offered a $25 menu include Amici, Kuzina by Sophia, La Terazza, Lamberti’s Tutti Tuscani, Little Thai Kitchen, and Tir Na Nog. Those that offered a $35 menu include Brio Tuscan Grille, Café Aldo Lamberti, Dream Cuisine Café, Il Villagio, La Cita Mexican, Seasons 52, Steak 38, The Capital Grille, and The Farm and Fisherman. 

Ben Meak, General Manager of The Farm and Fisherman, a family friendly tavern with an attached market, believes that Restaurant Week has positively impacted his restaurant.

“I believe it has given people a [better] feel for what we do,” explained Meak.

Meak believes the $35 three-course menu enables people to widen their culinary horizon. 

“[Customers] get to try appetizers, entrees, and deserts, instead of coming in here and just getting a burger,” he said. 

Michele Briner, Manager of Italian restaurant La Terazza, also enjoyed the benefits of participating in Restaurant Week.

“We have had an increase in business, and since we are new, just coming here in October, [Restaurant Week] is really helping to get our menu out” explained Briner. “Everyone is really loving the [Italian] food.”

This weeklong event positively impacts the community from a financial standpoint as well.

“It’s a good opportunity for people to go out and spend a little bit less money than they normally would have to spend,” said Meak. “It’s good for the community, while not being too much of an extra effort on our part.”

All in all, Restaurant Week has proven to be a great way to increase business during a particularly slow time of the year. It is an opportunity for residents of Cherry Hill to get out and dine at new establishments at a relatively lower cost than normal.