Restaurant And Craft Beverage Weeks Return To Howard County

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — The annual two-week celebration of food in Howard County kicks off next week.

The summer season of Howard County Restaurant and Craft Beverage Weeks starts July 27 and runs through Aug. 9.

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Sponsored by Visit Howard County, the two-week event offers special dining experiences to patrons while highlighting the wide variety of restaurants that call Howard County their home.

“Howard County's vibrant restaurant and craft beverage community is an essential part of what makes our county such a special place to live, work and visit,” Howard County Executive Calvin Ball said at a news conference. “Our Howard County Restaurant and Craft Beverage Weeks is not only a wonderful opportunity to showcase the incredible talent, creativity, and hospitality of our local chefs, brewers, distillers, wineries and beverage artisans, but it also affords us the opportunity to support our neighborhood businesses, strengthen our local economy, create jobs and celebrate the diverse flavors that bring our community together.

"These next weeks, I hope everyone will take time out of their schedules to take advantage of this exciting event, discover a new favorite restaurant or craft beverage, and join us in supporting the small businesses that make Howard County thrive," he said.

Nathan Sowers, chef and restauranteur with River House on Main, said at the kickoff that the two-week event coincides with their return home to Historic Ellicott City.

"Restaurant Weeks are a great opportunity to experience our expanded menu featuring handcrafted pizzas, French and Italian-inspired bistro cuisine, and weekend brunch in one of Ellicott City's beautifully restored historic buildings. We look forward to welcoming both longtime River House Pizza Co. guests and first-time visitors," Sowers said.

During Tuesday's kickoff event, officials announced that Local HoCo Open Rewards app participants who dine at participating Howard County Restaurant and Craft Beverage Weeks establishments will earn 10 percent cash back versus the normal five percent. During the summer season’s Howard County Restaurant and Craft Beverages Week, new Open Rewards subscribers also will receive a $5 sign-up reward.

“Open Rewards builds on the Local HoCo campaign by creating a simple, accessible way for residents and visitors to support locally owned businesses across Howard County,” said Amanda Hof, executive director of Visit Howard County. “Running the program alongside Summer Restaurant and Craft Beverage Weeks continues our commitment to supporting the long-term vitality of our local business community.”

To participate, diners can download the Local HoCo Open Rewards app, link a credit or debit card, and start earning rewards automatically with eligible purchases made at local businesses that are members of Visit Howard County, Old Ellicott City and are registered with HCEDA. Participating businesses are clearly identified with the Local HoCo seal.

“Every meal purchased during Summer Restaurant Weeks is an investment in Howard County's economy,” said Jennifer Jones, CEO of HCEDA. “Our locally owned restaurants create jobs and give our communities the unique character that attracts residents and visitors. Restaurant Weeks is an opportunity to discover a new favorite while strengthening the small businesses that help our local economy thrive year-round.”

During Tuesday's kickoff event, officials also announced that Visit Howard County has partnered with iHeartRadio to give away gift cards from participating restaurants through online drawings on the radio stations Z104.3 Baltimore's #1 Hit Music Station; 93.1 WPOC, Today's Best Country; and 102.7 JACK-FM Playing What We Want for Baltimore. There will also be one grand prize for a Howard County getaway package that includes an overnight stay and more than $1,000 in dining and attraction experiences.