February 20 through February 27, approximately 130 restaurants will offer slashed-rate meals during the second annual Chicago Restaurant Week, The Chicago Tribune reported.
Restaurant participation has more than tripled since last year, thanks in part to the current financial climate. Arthur Greenan, general manager of high-end eatery one sixtyblue, said, "Especially with the economy this year, it just seemed to make sense [for us to participate]."
According to food and restaurant consultant Clark Wolf, the weeklong promotion presents restaurants with a relatively inexpensive—and effective—way to market themselves. "Locals get to try restaurants at prices they can afford, restaurants get to stay in business, and the wait staff gets to make some tips in a tough time," Wolf told The Tribune. "It's cheaper than an ad."
Independent restaurant organization Chicago Orginals has two similar promotions planned for early this year. From January 25 through January 30, and then again from February 1 through February 6, restaurants across the city will offer three-course lunches for $24.09 and three-course dinners for $29.09. (A complete list of participating restaurants is available here.)
