Fall Long Island Restaurant Week is almost upon us.
That means between now and Oct. 27, the Long Island Restaurant Week team will be adding more and more participating restaurants for its most popular installment of the year, which runs through Nov. 3. Click here to sign up now.
From Long Island Restaurant Week’s perspective, teaming up with them is a no-brainer, with restaurants reporting an increase in foot traffic anywhere from 10 to 50 percent over the eight days of foodie fun.
“Long Island Restaurant Week is a great opportunity for restaurants to showcase their best to new customers,” said Nicole Castillo of Long Island Restaurant & Hospitality Group, which operates the tri-annual event. “Many diners use restaurant week as an excuse to try new restaurants they may not have tried before.”
It’s also an opportunity for diners to gather with friends and family for a big meal that’s more affordable.
“It is the perfect opportunity for a restaurant to ‘wow’ a new customer and convert them into a regular or even a special occasion diner,” Castillo said.
The restaurants who benefit most follow the Long Island Restaurant Week team’s advice: That mainly involves choosing menu items that are meant to impress (fan favorites), in-store promotions of upcoming events and promotions, and servers suggesting add-ons, such as bottles of wine.
Really, it’s all about showcasing yourself, Castillo said.
“Consider offering an incentive to return such as a voucher for a complimentary dessert or glass of wine on their next visit,” she added. “There are many ways to maximize your restaurant’s participation and use restaurant week to your advantage.”
The details
Long Island Restaurant Week at Bayberry in Islip. (courtesy photo)
Fall Long Island Restaurant Week 2024 runs from Oct. 27 through Nov. 3. Restaurants must offer three options per course (appetizer, entrée, dessert) for each prix fixe menu.
And they can offer one or all of these options:
- $29 three-course dinner
- $39 three-course dinner
- $46 three-course dinner
- $24 two-course lunch
Restaurants also have the option to offer other dishes at supplemental charges, so long as they stick to at least three options per course at the above prices.
Click here to learn more, including fees, rules and guidelines. Fees go directly to the islandwide ad-buy, social media marketing, website management and additional marketing efforts. As well, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Island Harvest and local food banks.
The background
Long Island Restaurant Week at Mirabelle Restaurant and Tavern in Stony Brook. (courtesy photo)
An estimated 116,000 meals are served during each promotion at over 150 Long Island locations, which is good for about $4 million in revenues from every Long Island Restaurant Week.
It started as a fall-only promotion in 2006 until the first Spring Long Island Restaurant Week was launched in April 2011. Winter was added in January of 2016, due to popular customer and restaurateur demand.
Visit the Restaurant Week website for any more information.
Top: Long Island Restaurant Week at Bayberry in Islip. (courtesy photo)
