LI Restaurant Week Successful Despite Down Economy

Long Island Restaurant Week raked in an estimated $7,026,558 in total restaurant revenue and $385,128 in New York State tax dollars earlier this month. Not too shabby in a down economy.

A total of 227 restaurants participated in the fifth annual event, serving an estimated 181,600 three-course, prix fixe meals for $24.95 during the eight-day promotion Nov. 7-14, according to preliminary results from post-event surveys.

Long Island Restaurant Week also made donations to Interfaith Nutrition Network and Family Service League.

Long Island Restaurant Week is organized by WordHampton Public Relations. WordHampton President Steve Haweeli says the campaign has become a great way for restaurants to attract new customers just before the holiday season.

"It offers Long Islanders an affordable treat, giving them an opportunity to feast on some of the best dishes from area restaurants," Haweeli adds.

Many opted to extend Long Island Restaurant Week because of the week's success, including Legal Sea Foods (B.K. Sweeney's Uptown Grille and The Garden City Hotel's Rein participated Nov. 7-14). 

For a full list of restaurants continuing the $24.95 prix fixe promotion, visit www.longislandrestaurantnews.com. Diners, contact individual restaurants directly for details since menu availability and times will vary.

Long Island Restaurant Week is expanding and will now take place twice a year; once in the fall and once in the spring (April 3-10, 2011).