Restaurant Week shows strong appetite
Des Moines Restaurant Week participation grew by double digits this year, with more than 24,300 people dining at 37 restaurants during the eighth annual event held Aug. 14-23. That’s an 11 percent increase over 2014. The 10-day event generated an estimated $357,000 in economic impact. “It was another strong year for Des Moines Restaurant Week,” said Kris Maggard, manager of magazines and community relations at Business Publications Corp. Inc., which organizes the event with the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau. “The continued growth is, in part, due to the increase in participating restaurants, up five more than in 2014.” All 37 establishments offered special prix fixe menus at $25 for two lunches or one dinner. Diners were encouraged to save at least four receipts from their dining experiences at the participating restaurants and enter to win a trip for two to Miami. Steve Carlson of Johnston is this year’s winner.