Charlottesville, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Simon Davidson, founder of Charlottesville29.com, joined Cville Right Now to discuss the challenges facing Charlottesville’s restaurant scene and the significance of the upcoming Charlottesville Restaurant Week. Davidson highlighted how this annual event not only celebrates the culinary culture of the area but also provides much-needed support to local restaurants and the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank. 

“This is a notoriously slow time of year for restaurants,” Davidson shared during the interview. In January, many chefs and restaurant owners say they are just trying to buckle down and get through the slow business period. He noted that inflation has exacerbated these challenges, making it even harder for businesses to operate. “The last thing restaurants want to do is raise prices… with inflation, all these other factors like the cost of goods are up, the cost of labor, their rent, you know, you can either absorb that or you can, you know, try to squeak the prices up just a little,” Davidson said. 

Restaurant Week, which takes place twice a year, offers a solution by encouraging locals to dine out and explore new culinary experiences while simultaneously supporting the restaurant community. “I always think of it as a win-win-win,” Davidson explained. “It’s good visibility, it’s business in a time where otherwise things can be a bit slow. It’s a great opportunity for customers and guests like us to enjoy different restaurants around town… And then the third, I mean, huge benefit is that a dollar from every meal goes to the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank.” 

Davidson encouraged listeners to seize the opportunity to support local establishments. “I always try to urge people, if you can, you know, support restaurants as much as you can.” Charlottesville Restaurant Week is set to begin this week, January 27th – February 2nd. To view participating restaurants and their menus, visit c-villerestaurantweek.com.  

Listen here for the full conversation: