Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership's campaign GoodEat$ offers discounts to city diners

Tuesdays and Wednesdays are traditionally slower days in the restaurant business. The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership is trying to help change that a bit.

It’s helping nearly 30 Downtown restaurants to offer 25% off food and drinks on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in March through the “GoodEat$” program.

Restaurants will be reimbursed by the partnership. Customers can choose dine-in, pick-up or delivery.

The campaign is possible through funding from a Richard King Mellon Foundation covid-19 relief grant.

Participating restaurants can be seen here.

“We’re hopeful that this delivers a big financial boost to these restaurants that need it, and that diners from around the Pittsburgh area get a new opportunity to order from their favorites, or try somewhere new,” said Richard Hooper, vice president of marketing & communications for the partnership via email.

NEW! Support and save (at) your favorite Downtown restaurants with 25% off food and drink on Tuesdays and Wednesdays starting March 9 ?

Get the details on the #GoodEatsDowntown ➡️ https://t.co/Nzth0SWbOW pic.twitter.com/1ud7ezzP6q

— Downtown Pittsburgh (@DowntownPitt) March 4, 2021

The partnership found ways to support Downtown businesses during the pandemic, said Michael Zawojski, executive chef and director of food and beverage at Revel + Roost on Forbes Avenue. So, when he heard of this latest campaign, he said yes immediately.

Courtesy of Revel + Roost

Brisket and macaroni and cheese at Revel + Roost in Downtown Pittsburgh

Zawojski said he is seeing more people return to eating out. With the weather improving, they plan to set up outdoor dining tables next week.

“People are starting to feel comfortable, and some have even held vaccination celebrations,” he said. “Where all four people at the table have been vaccinated and they can enjoy a night out. That is kind of heartwarming to see. I think the public is realizing how much they appreciate the luxury of having a meal prepared for them. That got taken away with the pandemic.”

“The extra push, on our slower days especially, will give us a chance to introduce Revel’s menu to new guests and allow returning guests to try our newest menu items,” said Zawojski in a statement. “We love that food delivery is included in this program too, broadening our reach outside of the immediate Downtown community. “

The partnership also plans to offer some surprise giveaways each week from restaurant gift cards and free dinners for those posting on social media.

The campaign allows the partnership to impact the bottom line in a new way, said Jeremy Waldrup, president and CEO of the partnership, in a statement.

“We hope that this incentive really motivates folks to dine-in, pick-up, or order for delivery from the restaurants we know they love,” Waldrup said. “There’s really no downside to getting great food at a discount and helping out these small businesses.”

The Speckled Egg in the Union Trust Building opened at the end of 2019. The additional challenge is they are only open for breakfast and lunch. They do serve cocktails with food but haven’t been able to have their Happy Hour because of covid-19.

Jacqueline Schoedel, who co-owns the restaurant with husband Nate, said the partnership welcomed them to the neighborhood and have never steered them wrong. She said everything the partnership does exceeds her expectations.

“We’ve participated in other programs the (partnership) has done,” Jacqueline Schoedel said. “So, this was a no-brainer. People might think of coming Downtown to have dinner, but they don’t always think about coming Downtown for lunch, especially if they don’t have to be in their office because they are working from home. I am trying to stay positive, trying to keep it on the sunny side.”