WESTFIELD-With so many restaurants being impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic for more than a year, the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce is teaming up with 11 other chambers in Franklin, Hampden and Hampshire counties to support a “413 Let’s Go Out!” initiative to encourage area residents to eat out this summer at businesses that are chamber members.
“413 Let’s Go Out! inspires foodies and residents in the 4-1-3 area code to take the pledge to help save our local restaurants,” said Eric Oulette, executive director, Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce.
The campaign runs through Sept. 30 and is aimed to amplify the statewide “Let’s Go Out” campaign to raise public awareness about the importance of supporting local restaurants and the role they play in driving economic activity.
To participate in the initiative, individuals are asked to go to a dedicated website – 413letsgoout.com – and make a pledge to join four friends and each order at least one restaurant meal per week for three months. Once area residents make a pledge, they become eligible to win one of 12 weekly $25 gift card giveaways.
Oulette noted that the Westfield Chamber has 12 businesses that fit into the “413 Let’s Go Out!” promotion, including Delaney’s Market, 587 East Main St., Westfield; Dunkin Donuts, 475 Southampton Road, Westfield; East Mountain Country Club, 1458 East Mountain Road, Westfield; G.I.L.T.E. Phyl’s Bakery Service, 1181 Russell Road, Westfield; Peppermill Catering, LLC, 18 Broad St., Westfield; Richard’s Grinders, 420 Union St., Westfield; Shaker Farms Country Club, 866 Shaker Road, Westfield; Shortstop Bar & Grill, 99 Springfield Road, Westfield; Tekoa Country Club, 459 Russell Road, Westfield; Westwood Restaurant & Pub, Inc., 94 North Elm St., Westfield; The Ranch Golf Club, 65 Sunnyside Road, Southwick, and Tucker’s Restaurant, 625 College Highway, Southwick.
“The campaign is timed to coincide with the rescinded restrictions, outdoor dining momentum, and growing indoor dining comfort,” said Oulette, adding that the dedicated website features the pledge form and a directory of restaurants affiliated with each participating chamber.
The project is being funded by a Regional Pilot Project Program Grant awarded to the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Northampton Association by the Massachusetts Office of Business Development in conjunction with the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development.
“The goal of the pilot program is to encourage municipalities and organizations to work together to create solutions for recovery in their specific economies,” said Oulette.
Participating chambers also include the Greater Northampton Chamber, Amherst Area Chamber, Franklin County Chamber, Easthampton Chamber, South Hadley and Granby Chamber, Springfield Regional Chamber, West of the River Chamber, Quaboag Hills Chamber, Greater Chicopee Chamber, Greater Holyoke Chamber, and East of the River Chamber.
The initiative has also been made possible with a collaboration from the Treehouse Foundation and the Stir Up Some Love organization.
