CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte restaurant week, better known as Queen's Feast, is now underway.
From Jan. 20-29, over 90 restaurants from 9 counties in and around Charlotte will be participating in the event.
Charlotte restaurant week is taking place as inflation continues to hit the food industry and restaurants are still recovering from pandemic losses. Local businesses are hopeful Queen's Feast could help their bottom line.
“It gives us a chance to bring in people who may not come here,” said Timothy Groody, the executive chef at Napa on Providence.
Napa on Providence provides customers with a 'taste of Napa Valley'. It's just one of the many different restaurants participating in this year's Queen's Feast.
"They’re getting the coveted trial businesses, restaurant tours say they get 75% new faces during Queen's Feast, so if they’re able to convert trial visits, they grow their business," said Queen’s Feast founder, Bruce Hensley.
Growing business is crucial now, as the restaurant industry is hurting.
Increasing food costs, combined with supply chain distribution issues and worker shortages are forcing businesses to adapt and find creative ways to survive and grow.
“It’s a concern as we move forward in 2023, we're going to have to keep our eyes on things and roll with the punches,” said Kim Hemsley, the general manager at Napa on Providence.
If you're dining out for Queen's Feast, a three-course meal ranges from $30 to $45 per person, depending on the restaurant.
Some tips to ensure that everyone has a pleasant experience during restaurant week are to make reservations, be polite to staff members, tip generously and get creative.
“I would try something you wouldn’t normally try, try to have fun with it,” Groody said.
FREE PODCAST
Wake Up Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at Wake Up Charlotte.
SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Stitcher || TuneIn || Google Podcasts
All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.