Dine Around Nova Scotia aims to boost restaurant traffic during slower winter months

Nova Scotia restaurants are hoping to attract more customers this month.

Cold winter months can be some of the toughest for restaurants.

With fewer customers, tighter budgets and rising operating costs, all combine to slow business.

That’s why more than 160 restaurants across Nova Scotia are taking part in the annual Dine Around Nova Scotia, a menu program running all February, that’s designed to entice diners with specially priced menus ranging from $10 to $60.

“Valentine’s Day is always busy for restaurants, but outside of that, January and February are consistently the slowest time of year,” said Natasha Chestnutt, executive director with the Restaurant Association of Nova Scotia.

The pressure on the industry continues to mount says Chestnut, from food inflation to labour shortages and rising utility costs, it has made it increasingly difficult for restaurants to keep menu prices in check.

Chestnutt says recent data from the Restaurant Association of Canada estimates that 41 per cent of restaurants across Canada are losing money or just barely getting by, that’s up from 12 per cent of business prior to the pandemic.

At The Wooden Monkey in Dartmouth, Dine Around is seen as a welcome boost during a traditionally quiet season.

“It gets people out,” said owner Lil MacPherson. “It’s February, you’re hungry, you’ve been shovelling all day, and so it’s time to come in for dinner.”

Port City Coffee at Alderney Landing is also participating, offering two Dine Around menu deals aimed at driving foot traffic during colder months.

“It’s that extra incentive to get people out when it’s cold and not so nice outside,” said Chris Publicover, manager of Port City Coffee at Alderney Landing.

Despite the ongoing challenges, some restaurant owners say there are signs of optimism.

MacPherson said last summer was one of The Wooden Monkey’s busiest yet, with more people choosing to stay closer to home and support local businesses, a trend owners hope continues through the winter.

Dine Around also includes a charitable component, with some participating restaurants donating a portion of their menu sales to Feed Nova Scotia.

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