By MATT PIKE
St. Joseph Post
At the conclusion of the fourth annual St. Joseph Restaurant Week, officials with the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce call it a success.
Founder of Felix Street Gourmet Terri Modlin says the event bounced back well following the coronavirus pandemic.
"Weather helps, I mean people are willing to get out, but I think also people now know more what it's about," Modlin tells reporters. "They also have some time on their calendars, you know football season has wrapped up, so they can get out and enjoy some other activities so I feel like it's been a healthy and profitable opportunity for many involved."
The event returned back to February, after being held in May last year.
Modlin says the annual event helps in a time where restaurants normally see a lull in activity.
"Sometimes it's weather, sometimes it's a reset on their own personal objectives, but the opportunity to get people out, we're thankful that so many groups came and had meetings here they embraced it and got together with friends to celebrate it," Modlin says. "So yes, it's a big help to bring people in through this January and February timeframe."
The event helped not only to draw customers to local restaurants, but also once again brought back a charity component, raising money for Second Harvest Food Bank.
Modlin says as a business owner, she sees benefits from a strong community.
"If what we can be doing is also giving towards nonprofits that are reaching the needy in our community and just making us stronger, I think that's important," Modlin explains. "We think it might also motivate some people maybe that might not go out or spend that same amount, but knowing that a charity is involved that helps motivate them to maybe try something different and be giving twice."
Restaurant goers during this year’s event raised $1,700 for Second Harvest Community Food Bank. Altec matched that to present a $3,400 check to the food bank