CASPER, Wyo. — As the fourth annual 5150’ Restaurant Week promotion enters its final night Saturday, some participating businesses are reporting strong public participation, and new customers, while others are having mixed results.
Participation is up at J’s Pub, as evidenced by “the sheer amount of Infusions we’ve sold,” assistant manager Megan Carlson told Oil City. The restaurant’s signature cocktail of pineapple-infused vodka and Malibu rum is a fitting item to sell for $3.07.
People who sign up are able to view specials at three promotional price points — $3.07, $18.90, and $51.50 — representing Wyoming’s area code, date of statehood, and elevation, respectively. When they check in a location, they are also entered to win a gift card.
The promotion has “brought us some new faces,” Carlson said. That experience has been reflected by staff at participating establishments like Crave-A-Bowl and the Backwards Distilling Tasting Room.
Racca’s Pizza Napoletano, in its fourth year of participation, is also seeing the benefit.
“I felt like it brought in some new people that don’t come in as regulars,” said Victoria Tillett.
Jamie Reed, general manager of C85 Branding Iron, said the promotion has been good for her restaurant in years past, but this year’s participation has been underwhelming. She told Oil City that that could be related a large slate of brand-new staff.
Nevertheless, it’s been worth participating historically, and she thinks the promotion’s early move from March to January, when business is traditionally in the post-holiday doldrums, was well-advised.
Tillett agreed: “This really is the best time because in the restaurant business it’s always slow generally after the holidays.”
“We are always appreciative and love to participate in anything promoting downtown,” she added.
