The Erie County Legislature has declared October 15-21, 2012 as Local Restaurant Week in Erie County and encourages residents to participate by dining at one of 200 restaurants expected to participate. A proclamation, sponsored by Legislator Edward A. Rath, was presented to Local Restaurant Week organizers at the Legislature’s Oct. 11, 2012 session to kick-off this great event.

“I am thrilled to collaborate with organizers to promote Local Restaurant Week – 2012 and to announce that the Legislature has declared Oct. 15-21 as Local Restaurant Week in Erie County, helping to kick off this year’s event that celebrates the great local food, restaurants and people that the Buffalo region is known for,” said Legislator Edward A. Rath.

“We’ve got so many incredible independent restaurants right in our own neighborhoods that are a part of the culture here. Celebrating them during this week-long event is a win all the way around,” said Christa Hobart, Local Restaurant Week Event Coordinator. “I want to thank the County Legislature for officially declaring next week Local Restaurant Week in Erie County and hope the community comes out and enjoys some great meals throughout the week.”

“Local Restaurant Week has grown tremendously. As we enter our 8^th event, I am impressed with the response. The money generated during the week circulates five times throughout the community and the anticipated economic impact has now reached $5 million. I can’t say enough about the outstanding local restaurants we have here in Western New York and the loyal diners who support them,” said Peter Longo, past President of the New York Restaurant Association's Western New York Chapter.

Also attending the event and speaking to the benefits of Local Restaurant Week were, Dan Garvey, manager of the Roycroft Inn; Jay Manno, owner of SOHO Burger Bar, and Bill Panzica, owner of Chocolate Bar.

For additional information about Local Restaurant Week and participating restaurants, please visit www.LocalRestaurantWeek.com.