Houston Restaurant Weeks has revealed that it will return for its 11th year from Aug. 1 to Sept. 1. By now, diners eagerly anticipate the event during which more than a hundred of the Houston area's best restaurants offer discounted menus and donate a portion of the sales to the Houston Food Bank.
Last year's effort raised almost $1.29 million, making it the largest annual fundraising event for America's biggest food bank.
Prices have been somewhat simplified this year. All lunches are $20, all brunches are $25 and dinners will be priced at either $35 or $45. The contribution per meal to the Food Bank raises to $3, $4, $5 and $7 respectively. Houston Food Bank is able to provide three meals for every dollar raised.
Before Houston Restaurant Weeks, restaurants typically cut back's employees' hours during August, but now it's the second busiest month for restaurants after December.
“I am so grateful for the outpouring of support by Houston’s restaurant industry and diners for Houston Restaurant Weeks,” founder and chair Cleverley Stone said in a statement. “Houston Restaurant Weeks has become one of the most anticipated times of the year for local foodies and visitors to our city.”
While there's always some grousing from restaurant industry employees about the crowds of Restaurant Weeks, no one can deny the positive impact its had on the local economy. The Food Bank estimates that last year's effort generated $13 million in economic activity. Before Houston Restaurant Weeks, restaurants typically cut back's employees' hours during August, but now it's the second busiest month for restaurants after December.
The full roster of participants will be announced July 15. In the meantime, head for the comments to share which new restaurants you're most looking forward to trying and which old favorites you'll be returning to.
Last year's event raised over $1.28 million for the Houston Food Bank.
Houston artist Briks painted the restaurant's mural.Courtesy of Ramen Tatsu-ya
