Courtesy of www.eatdrinkmississippi.com/
The Magnolia State is famous for many things — music, culture and, most importantly, food. Mississippi’s culinary culture is expanding rapidly, and for those who love to explore new eats around the state, good news lies ahead. In an attempt to reward food explorers as well as encourage residents to try new restaurants, the Mississippi Hospitality and Restaurant Association (MHRA) has created the “Dine Out MS” campaign.
To be a part of this campaign, customers should save all receipts from participating MHRA restaurants when dining out this summer, specifically from July 1 to August 31. After customers spend $100 or more in total within the two months, they can submit it to the MHRA office and receive a coupon for 10 percent off at any MHRA location as a thank you. Executive Director Mike Cushion states, “It is our way of saying thank you to our valued and loyal guests as well as showcase the members of the MHRA family.”
The new campaign will attract consumers of all ages, especially college students. Hattiesburg’s Miss Hospitality and Ole Miss student Mary Margaret Hyer said, “I think the ‘Dine Out MS’ campaign is a fresh, innovative way to encourage Mississippians to support local businesses in their respective hometowns. Self-promotion is one of the most effective ways to generate public interest, and consequently, revenue, and I think that the MHRA has struck gold with this campaign. Not only will this be good for the economy of our state, but it will a provide a new, fun way for Mississippians to celebrate and promote our culture.”
Mississippi’s economy thrives upon the culinary profits throughout the state. The non-profit association has more than 700 of its 1,400 members participating in the Dine Out MS campaign. Restaurant sales are expected to surpass $3.8 billion this year while adding $228 million to state taxes.
“Any time you can get guests to support an independent business in Jackson,” said Andy Nesenson, Iron Horse Grill general manager. “Whether it’s a restaurant, whether it’s a popsicle stand, whether it’s a bar, the fact that they’re dining out, they’re spending dollars — it helps the local economy, obviously. It all trickles down,” from the restaurant employees who live here to the Mississippi products they make a point of using.
For a list of participating restaurants throughout the state, see www.dineoutms.com. Any restaurant that would like to be a part of this campaign but isn’t yet is welcome to apply at www.msra.org/membership. The MHRA office address is as follows: DINE OUT MS; 130 Riverview Dr. Suite A; Flowood, MS 39232.
Restaurant owners, managers and MHRA staff are excited for the new promotion in the peak of the tourism months, July and August. Many believe this will boost the economy while attracting many visitors to experience the vibrant and colorful scene in Mississippi.
