Murrieta Rolls Out $1 Million Investment In Local Businesses, Patrons

MURRIETA, CA — A program designed to encourage customers to spend money at local businesses is underway in Murrieta.

On Tuesday the city rolled out its "Murrieta Money Match" program, an online gift card portal that allows residents and visitors alike to purchase gift cards that are accepted at local businesses. As a reward for purchasing, the city will match specific gift card amounts at no cost to the customer or the business: Patrons who purchase a $50, $100, or $250 gift card will receive an extra $50, $100, or $250 gift card for free.

To kick off the program, the city is currently featuring restaurants. To purchase a gift card (and receive a free bonus card) and to view the current list of participating restaurants, visit the city’s Murrieta Money Match website. Just a few of the restaurants include The Mill on Washington Street, Murrieta Roadhouse Grill on Murrieta Hot Springs Road, Casa Jimenez on California Oaks Road, and Chef's Grille on Jefferson Avenue. (If you have a restaurant in Murrieta, reach out to James Wurtz jwurtz@murrietaca.gov from the city’s economic development department to learn more about how your business can participate.)

New businesses are constantly being added to the list and the bonus card value is good for up to a year after purchase, according to the city.

The city’s economic development team is planning a variety of promotions throughout the life of the program to incentivize participation. Special promotions could include restaurant week, Small Business Saturday, and various holiday campaigns throughout the year, the city announced.

Approved by the Murrieta City Council earlier this year, the shop local incentive program allocates $1 million from the city’s American Rescue Plan Act funds. The city is implementing the program through Yiftee, Inc.

“This program is dedicated to supporting Murrieta businesses," said Scott Agajanian, city of Murrieta director of economic development. "We are proud to launch this innovative way to support local businesses while simultaneously putting extra purchasing power in the hands of residents and visitors.”