Shop, Dine, Play and Relax Locally This Winter to Support Local Businesses
Writer / Steve Latour, Executive Director at Westfield Chamber of Commerce
Photographer / Kelli White
All business leaders have a plan A, usually a plan B, and occasionally a plan C floating around in their heads. Nine months into the pandemic and I think it is safe to say that most are on plan T, U or even V by now. There are even a few folks out there on plan AA. Flexibility has been the main driver throughout 2020, and even with all that flexibility, we have still lost some great businesses this year.
With a horizon insight and a vaccine on the way, we are optimistic that 2021 will allow us to get back to a new normal. I do not think we are ever going back to the way things were pre-pandemic, but I do think that we can emerge from this collective experience more robust for it.
Nearly everyone agrees that we still have a long, cold winter to get through before we may see things begin to rebound. So, in early November, a group of business leaders and city officials got together to discuss the upcoming winter season and how we could help our restaurants, bars, and leisure and entertainment businesses come through the winter season with as little loss as possible. The group came up with “Winter in Westfield.”
The idea for Winter in Westfield is pretty simple – let’s remind Westfield residents and the surrounding communities where to eat, drink, play and relax in town. Show folks where to park, and let’s try to drive business to these locations on days that may be a little slower than the weekend. We encourage all of these establishments to have Westfield Wednesdays – a special or discount for that day of the week to encourage folks to patronize their business on a day that might otherwise be a little slower. We will also team up with Hamilton County Tourism to promote the “Great Dine Out” in January. Additional information about these plans is below.
This winter, city leaders, your Chamber of Commerce, and the Downtown Association ask all residents and businesses to frequent local establishments for lunch, afternoon coffee, or dinner. Think local the next time you need something for your home. Save time, save gas, and help keep the local economy going. If we can shift our thinking and ask our co-workers and neighbors to do the same, we will have taken a significant positive step forward. If we all pitch in, we can ensure the Westfield community gets through the winter, and even this pandemic, together.
Great Dine Out: January 4-31
The “Great Dine Out” is your opportunity to support locally-owned restaurants in Hamilton County. Whether you dine in or take it to go, the “Great Dine Out” has you covered. This is a mobile-exclusive program – you must have a smartphone to redeem the offers at participating restaurants. After five check-ins and/or redemptions, participants will receive a $25 restaurant gift card. Offer valid while supplies last. Present your phone to redeem discounts at all participating locations listed below. Bon appétit! Blackout dates may apply at participating restaurants. Sign up for the free “Great Dine Out” passport by visiting visithamiltoncounty.com/great-dine-out.
Discover Westfield All Over Again
We’ve made it easy – just visit westfieldwelcome.com to explore the five shopping, dining and entertainment districts in Westfield. Your local businesses need your support now more than ever. Shop and dine locally in Westfield this winter. Grab some carry-out, purchase gift cards, or visit safely in-person.
The website will be kept up to date with new specials, discounts and winter events. You can also view a map of the five districts to learn about parking options and to see a list of the local companies within each district.
Westfield Wednesdays Takeout
‘Westfield Wednesday’ – our version of takeout Tuesday. This winter, every company throughout the city is being asked to offer a Wednesday discount or special. You may drive by and see a full restaurant on a Friday or Saturday. Still, it takes seven days of sales from opening until closing to ensure that the business is paying its expenses and meeting its financial obligations during the pandemic.
Consider making your purchase over the phone or online, and then go pick up your order at the store — discouraging third party delivery services like Door Dash, Grubhub and Uber Eats, so that the restaurants can keep a larger portion of the profits. Some local restaurants are now offering in-house delivery services so that is another great option when available.
Visit westfieldwelcome.com to see the specials offered, or ask the company you are visiting if they have a ‘Westfield Wednesdays’ special.
February and March
The City of Westfield, the Westfield Chamber, and the Downtown Westfield Association are working with businesses across the city to find new and creative ways to engage with residents this February and March. Some ideas include open houses, VIP access, and unique experiences that give folks a chance to get out of their homes this winter. Please visit westfieldwelcome.com for up-to-date experiences, meal deals, and opportunities.
If you have an idea or want to learn how to get involved with Winter in Westfield, please email the Westfield Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Steve Latour at slatour@westfield-chamber.org.
