Frequently Asked Questions
We Love Local Eats reflects our support for our local restaurant community and the Pacific Northwest dining scene. Below is a list of questions and answers to help guide you through the details of this new promotion.
What are restaurants offering during We Love Local Eats?
Three-course dinner menus typically consist of an appetizer, entrée and dessert. Lunch menus will usually offer either an appetizer and entrée, or entrée and dessert. However, restaurants aren’t required to stick to this format, so the specific courses may vary. Three-course dinners are offered at $35 and two-course lunches are offered at $20. In addition, restaurants are required to provide prix fixe dinner options regularly valued at $42 or more, so diners will be getting a great deal. Menus typically feature three options per course.
Are reservations required?
No, but they are strongly recommended. Please note these menus are not available Friday, Saturday or for Sunday brunch. We Love Local Eats menus and pricing are only available when you dine Sunday after brunch through Thursday.
If you aren’t sure whether a restaurant is serving their We Love Local Eats menu, we recommend that you call them ahead of time.
Who do I contact with questions?
You can email us at welovelocaleats@seattletimes.com or contact us through our social media channels on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Who can participate in We Love Local Eats?
If you operate a local independent restaurant that prides itself on creating quality crafted food and are willing to provide a We Love Local Eats “menu of value” valued at $42 or more, we invite you to participate.
What are the event dates, price points and format?
The summer event (June 13-24) runs for two weeks, Sunday through Thursday. Sunday brunch is excluded. Dinner menus consist of three courses for $35, with an optional two-course lunch menu for $20. Though most restaurants choose to follow the traditional appetizer-entrée-dessert format, you can offer any three courses so long as there is a minimum of nine menu items.
What is the cost to participate?
We Love Local Eats registration fees are subject to change for our upcoming promotions. Below is the pricing for Summer 2021.
- 1 restaurant: $750 + two $50 gift cards
- 2 restaurants $1300 (reg. $1500) + four $50 gift cards
- 3 restaurants $1800 (reg. $2250) + six $50 gift cards
- 4 restaurants $2200 (reg. $3000) + eight $50 gift cards
- 4+ restaurants: $550 per restaurant + two $50 gift cards per each restaurant
How will you promote my restaurant for We Love Local Eats?
The Seattle Times is running a large-scale print and digital marketing campaign to promote the event, which includes We Love Local Eats print and digital ads, billboards, posters, paid social media/search, radio and more. Participating restaurants will have their name included in a prominent Seattle Times Sunday print ad in June. In addition, you will receive a kit (2-3 weeks before the promotion begins) of We Love Local Eats branded items, including a poster, bill inserts and takeout stickers you can use to promote your restaurant.
Is my restaurant required to participate in all ten days of restaurant week?
Yes. However, if your restaurant is regularly closed on a certain day of the week (e.g. Mondays), you can remain closed. Restaurants must be open for a minimum of 3 out of the 4 evenings for dinner to participate. To ensure the best dining experience possible for customers, you must include any limited hours or closings on the signup form. Those details will be posted on your menu page.
Can the gift cards/certificates my restaurant provided be excluded during We Love Local Eats?
No. Gift cards are primarily used for consumer contests, social media staff and “secret” We Love Local Eats diners, which helps us promote the offerings your restaurant prepares during the promotion. We use gift cards during the promotion to sample your meals and promote your restaurant via our social channels. We also want to ensure any contest winners can use their gift cards/certificates any time they wish.
