by Bonnie Shelton, KTVB.COM
BOISE — A week-long event in its third year is helping downtown businesses reach new customers.
Dine Out Downtown Boise was created by the Downtown Boise Association to help spur business in the heart of the city.
This year, 19 restaurants are taking part in the event and all are offering special meals and promotions to entice diners.
Gene Hutchison, owner of the Piper Pub & Grill, told us Dine Out Downtown Boise allows him to try new things. He’s offering special meal deals for diners at lunch and dinner.
“$10 a lunch for a two course entree, which is caprese sliders,” said Hutchison.
People who stop by this week can try the new menu items at a lower, fixed-price point. Hutchison said several have been so successful he plans to add them to the pub’s menu for good.
“Hopefully people like it and come back,” he said.
“There are so many dining choices downtown, so it’s a great opportunity for people to explore something new,” said Kâren Sander, Downtown Boise Association Executive Director.
According to numbers released by the DBA, at least eight restaurants opened in downtown Boise last year. In that same time, four closed. Sander said that shows the need for support.
“We’ve got 80 percent local as far as businesses downtown,” she added.
Chandlers, which is known for its steaks and seafood, is new to Dine Out.
“It gives people a chance to try us for the first time,” said Stuart Mitton, maitre d’.
He told us this week, people can try the restaurant’s high-end food for a great price, too. Chandlers’ Dine Out menu includes a three-course meal for $30. Diners can choose between several different soups and entrees, plus enjoy dessert.
Restaurant owners told us so far, the event, which started last Friday, has been successful.
Many customers are coming in and specifically asking about the Dine Out Downtown Boise specials.
For more information about which restaurants are participating and to view their menus, click here.
Dine Out Downtown Boise continues through Sunday.
by Bonnie Shelton, KTVB.COM
