Incentive Program Creates Downtown Dining Zone

Dec. 17, 2012 - PRLog -- Rehabbing space for a food-related business is more expensive, and thus more of a financial risk, than many other types of renovation.

To alleviate some of that expense and encourage more restaurants to open in a targeted area in Bristol, CT, the Bristol Development Authority created a Downtown Restaurant Incentive Program.

In the eight years since the program began, the city has had gains and losses on the downtown dining front, but the goal of attracting four or five sit-down eateries and a bakery to the two main streets running parallel to each other through the city center was met and is soon to be exceeded.

Because the goal of the program was to increase dining density downtown and to enliven the city streets in the evening, applicants had to commit to being open at least six days per week including Friday and Saturday, to serving dinner until at least 9 p.m. each evening, and to maintaining a menu that features at least 60 percent items not considered fast foods.

Details on the Downtown Restaurant Incentive Program appear in the December issue of Downtown Idea Exchange.

About the Downtown Research & Development Center

For over 50 years, the Downtown Research & Development Center has acted as the information clearinghouse on practical strategies and tactics for revitalizing the hearts of our cities and towns.

The Group's main activities include publishing the widely influential "Downtown Idea Exchange" and "Downtown Promotion Reporter" newsletters; publishing relevant books and reports; and operating the DowntownDevelopment.com website.

Website: http://www.DowntownDevelopment.com