SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) – Onondaga County Executive, Ryan McMahon released another round of the “Keeping It Local” voucher program last Thursday. The program’s main purpose is to help bring in more business that has been lessened due to COVID-19.
“Keeping it local, it’s all in the name…” said Original Grain employee, Emily Reed.
The vouchers allow customers to double their money when they dine at one of the many participating restaurants – meaning if they spend $50 dollars, they’ll get a $100 gift card for a future purchase. There were $400,000 worth of vouchers that were distributed – they were sold out within hours. Vouchers were limited to four per person and able to be bought in $25 increments up to $100.
Luna Loca, a restaurant in downtown Syracuse that opened in June, is one of the businesses partaking in the initiative. Luna Loca waitress Daphne Webb believes “Keeping It Local” has helped with publicity.
“It’s nice to be able to get our name out there and we’d love to be more involved with the community,” she said.
Reed said it’s great for business and encourages customers to return to normal after a year inside.
“It incentivizes people to get out of their house now and come to their local restaurants,” she said.
