With local restaurants struggling this winter due to COVID-19 restrictions on indoor dining, officials in Winnetka have launched a village-sponsored program rewarding residents and visitors who order take out from area businesses.
As funded and sponsored by the village, “Take Out Challenge,” which runs through April 15, is offering prizes via a series of drawings to anyone who spends $150 or more at a Winnetka restaurant between mid-December and April 15, Winnetka Economic Development Coordinator Liz Dechant said.
While the village also previously directed $100,000 generated from a sales tax rebate initiative to fund $4,000 restaurant relief grants for 25 local venues, Dechant said officials were looking for a new and creative way in the new year, “to keep bringing people into restaurants for takeout during the pandemic.”
Participants in the competition, who must first provide receipts showing they have spent at least $150 at area restaurants since mid-December, are entered into prize drawings every two weeks, Dechant said.
Among the prizes are a $100 gift card to Mino’s; a “name your own smoothie” at True Juice award combined with a $50 gift card; a gift basket and gift certificate from Tocco; and for Valentine’s Day, two carryout meal kits worth $200 from Aboyer.
“It has never been more important to eat locally, and we’re trying to make it rewarding to do so,” Dechant added.
Whitney Fitzgerald, the owner of True Juice at 542 Chestnut St., said in regards to the “name your own smoothie” prize, she “can’t wait to see what the winner is going to come up with.”
“It may be a hit, because our customers know best,” said Fitzgerald, who has temporarily removed the stools at her storefront cafe, and for now, is offering strictly “grab and go,” which can be picked up at the counter or curbside.
“We’re so lucky, because Winnetka is such a great community, and everyone has been so supportive,” Fitzgerald said. “I think our customers really understand that restaurants have been hit hard during the pandemic, and they’re all really mindful of that.”
To enter Winnetka’s “Take Out Challenge,” visit: villageofwinnetka.org/takeout.
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