KENOSHA — Good eats for cheap — that’s what’s on the menu in Kenosha.
The city (and greater metropolitan area) kicked off restaurant week Saturday with deals on meals highlighting the city’s evolving dining scene.
“Restaurant Week features 40 locally owned and operated restaurants throughout Kenosha County and price points at $10 for breakfast or brunch, $10 for lunch, and then $20 or $30 dinner specials,” said Laura Tyunaitis, the community relations Manager with Visit Kenosha.
Franks' Diner is one of the 40 featured restaurants. The diner first opened in 1926, and now Kevin Ervin and wife Julie Rittmiller run the place, making them the second non-Franks family to own the diner.
“I would say we’re not really owners, we’re caretakers of a business and we’ll keep it that way,” Rittmiller said.
Around the block from Franks' Diner, things also are buzzing and brewing at The Buzz Cafe. Cafe manager Ken Murray said The Buzz has participated in Restaurant Week since the beginning, and he’s looking forward to another successful year that puts Kenosha’s food scene on the map in a new way.
“Sometimes we get overlooked here in downtown Kenosha, and to draw attention to the restaurants that are here in our community (Restaurant Week) gives a really great bolster to the energy here downtown,” Murray said.
The nine-day celebration gives people an opportunity to support small businesses locally while also encouraging patrons to give back by donating to local food pantries.
“I would say we’re not really owners, we’re caretakers of a business and we’ll keep it that way.” — Julie Rittmiller of Franks' Diner in Kenosha
“There are other people who don’t know where their next meal is coming from, so we're working with two pantries who really focus on helping those in critical need in our community,” Tyunaitis said.
Restaurant Week ends Feb. 10. For a complete list of participating restaurants, click here.
