Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - This fall's Buffalo Restaurant Week celebrates the creative cooking of local restaurateurs who contribute to the increasing economic impact of tourism in Buffalo and Erie County. Almost half of the 2023 record $2.4 billion in visitor spending came from restaurants.
$1.03 billion was spent on food and drink. This is an 11.1 percent increase from the previous year. It highlights how crucial dining is to tourism, said Patrick Kaler, president and CEO of Visit Buffalo Niagara.
Buffalo Restaurant Week, Monday, Oct. 14 - Sunday, Oct. 20, is a chance for locals to try out restaurants and their innovative menus so they can help spread the word to visitors, he said.
"Residents are our best advocates and ambassadors," said Kaler. "People like to know where the locals like to go."
Dining out during Buffalo Restaurant Week is one way for Buffalonians to help strengthen the tourism economy. In the past two years, tourism spending has been breaking records. The $2.4 billion in spending in 2023 beat the 2022 record of $2.2 billion, which went beyond the previous the pre-pandemic high of $1.87 million.
The financial struggles of the pandemic made it clear how important tourism is for restaurants, said Kaler. "They can't rely just on the local residents eating in the restaurants," he said. "They do need the visitor economy to keep the restaurant business thriving."
His advice to diners is to try a restaurant you haven't been to before. Order something new. Tell people what you loved."
Maria Macpeek, the Western New York territory manager of the New York State Restaurant association says to get out and support these local businesses.
"The message the patrons is to get out there. Try some things different. Help support our local restaurants and just try something new. Maybe you've seen a restaurant that is a part of restaurant week, go there. We encourage you to really try different things and different cuisines and just enjoy the entire week. Lunch, dinner, and breakfast."
John Cimperman, owner of 42 north brewing company, is not a home grown Buffalonian but says the culinary culture rivals anywhere in the country.
"I'm not originally from Buffalo, I've spent a few times on a couple different coasts, but I can tell you that our restaurant scene here in western New York rivals anywhere. And I really think what's cool about Buffalo's restaurant scene is it really reflects the diversity and the creativity of this region. I encourage everyone to get out over the next few weeks and really help support these, these locally owned businesses."
