Downtown Albany's Restaurant Week Announces Survey Contest Winners

ALBANY, NY (12/11/2009)(readMedia)-- The Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID) today announced the winners of the Fall 2009 Restaurant Week survey contest. Restaurant Week, held from October 4-10, offered diners from the Capital Area region three-course meals for one low price at 20 premier downtown restaurants. Diners were asked to complete a survey about their experience, which entered them in a drawing to win $50 certificates from participating restaurants. Prizes include:

• 1st Prize: $500 (10 gift certificates)
• 2nd Prize: $300 (6 gift certificates)
• 3rd Prize: $200 (4 gift certificates)

Out of over 2,000 surveys, the BID has drawn three prize winners. First place was awarded to Susan Kochan of Scotia, NY, second place was awarded to Kris Aliperti of Loudonville, NY, and third place was awarded to Paula Skalwold of Schenectady, NY.

"This year's Restaurant Week gave residents and visitors an opportunity to experience the variety of cuisines and cultures offered by downtown Albany dining establishments. At a time when everyone is budgeting their nights out more carefully, Restaurant Week was the perfect time to attract visitors and remind them all that downtown has to offer," said Georgette Steffens, the BID's executive director.

The recently updated price of $20.09 continued the year-long Quadricentennial celebration of the founding of Albany. When Restaurant Week was first started, meals were priced at $16.09, to reflect the date of the historic voyage of Henry Hudson.

Restaurants collected surveys and kept a daily record of the number of dinners served. Based on survey results, the Fall 2009 Restaurant Week generated:

• 9,120 diners served (a 12% increase over 2008)
• 2,192 surveys collected (a 4% increase over 2008)
• $258,000+ economic impact in downtown Albany dining establishments (based on estimates)

Since its inception in 2004, Restaurant Week has attracted increased participation every year, generating over $2.3 million in economic impact for Albany.

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The Downtown Albany BID, incorporated in 1996, is a private, not-for profit 501 (c) (3) organization that works to restore, promote and maintain the character and viability of downtown Albany and to improve the quality of life and overall image of downtown for all those who work in, live in and visit the Capital City. There is ample public parking in downtown Albany: metered parking is free after 6 p.m. on weekdays and all weekends. For information about the Downtown Albany BID, call (518) 465-2143 or visit www.downtownalbany.org.