SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine — Maine Restaurant Week is in full swing as more than 80 restaurants across Maine are serving up new dishes and deals during a slower time of the year.
The 16th annual weeklong event gives exposure to restaurants to help bring new customers in.
"Even just Saturday we had people right in at 11 that hadn't ever been here before," Michael Rigo, a SoPo Seafood employee, said. "Something like this just to re-remind locals or people that are within a state or two to come see us is a big help."
Maine Restaurant Week launched after the owners of gBritt, a public relations firm, said their clients would question how they'd get through the lull of the winter months, while reducing staff size and hours.
"Surviving in the restaurant industry demands resilience, steadfast commitment, and the invaluable support of customers," Ilma Lopez, chef and co-owner of Portland restaurants Ugly Duckling and Chaval, said in a press release. "Maine Restaurant Week, in particular, provides a collective boost that deserves to be celebrated—a testament to the enduring spirit of our culinary community."
The event runs through Tuesday, March 12. Click here for more information and a full list of participating restaurants.