There is a good reason to go hungry next week. Organizers have announced that Newtown-Sandy Hook Restaurant Week, being held this year October 7-13, supports the diverse offering of more than 50 eateries in Newtown and Sandy Hook.

By highlighting the eateries, the increased traffic is expected to benefit other local businesses as well, according to organizers.

“Newtown and Sandy Hook, Conn., have over 50 dining establishments. Newtown-Sandy Hook Restaurant Week is a way to introduce the wide variety of offerings to both local residents and visitors. We hope people from near and far will visit their favorite places as well as trying some place new,” noted Christal Preszler, deputy director of economic and community development for the Town of Newtown.

First Selectman Dan Rosenthal agrees.

“Having grown up in Newtown at a time when restaurant choices were limited, I think it is great that we now can boast of being home to over 50 restaurants, many of which have won prestigious awards and accolades year after year,” Mr Rosenthal told The Newtown Bee.

“Whenever I attend meetings or events out of town, people always reference that they love coming to eat here,” the first selectman added. “The restaurant vibe we have created is one of the many things that differentiates Newtown from the area, and Restaurant Week is a great way to recognize and encourage the community to patronize our local eateries.”

Feedback from past years indicates that people who attend Restaurant Week want special offerings from the restaurants. As such, restaurants are encouraged to offer special pricing or a dish to draw people to their establishment.

Some locations will offer a prix fixe menu, others discounts or special items.

Restaurants who contact kimberly.chiappetta@newtown-ct.gov will benefit from their special being listed on Restaurant Week websites.

Paid sponsorships for the week include:

*Cocktails & Apps Level Sponsor — Newtown Savings Bank;

*Decadent Dessert Level Sponsors — Associated Refuse Haulers, Dental Associates, and the Savings Bank of Danbury.

Advertising has also been promoting the activities in local and lower Fairfield County print publications, including The Newtown Bee, as well as through social media sites.

Local advertising is also taking place with banner, poster, and postcard placements and distribution, Ms Preszler said.

Learn more and view participating eateries and menu offerings at newtownsandyhookeats.com/specials and at connecticutrestaurantweek.com/restaurant-weeks-ct/newtown-restaurant-week.