Royal Oak Restaurant Week Showcases Dining Diversity, New Openings, and Community Resilience

Restaurant Week in Royal Oak continues until March 1. About 20 dining establishments are taking part, each presenting lunch and dinner at discounted rates. Sunday marked the start, and this tradition has persisted for more than ten years in the city's culinary community.

Venues have crafted special menus. Fourth Street Bistro and Brunch presents a four-course meal priced at $39. Other restaurants feature three-course selections.

Cole Andrejaj and his wife launched Fourth Street Bistro and Brunch last May. This marks their first participation. "Hopefully, we get to see some new faces. We're putting our name out," said Andrejaj, according to WXYZ.

The downtown area has welcomed a handful of new eateries within the past year. Lilly's Seafood has operated for nearly three decades and still attracts diners when the promotion arrives.

Liz Morton manages Lilly's Seafood. She also serves as vice president at the Royal Oak Restaurant Association. Morton believes the week-long event brings attention to what the city offers.

"I'm hoping that it shines a light on Royal Oak, you know, all the restaurants that we have here," Morton shared.

Costs keep climbing across the industry, Morton explained. "It is a challenging business, and you do have to keep your eye on it, as you know food costs, labor, everything has gone up in price," she said.

Stephanie McIntyre works with the Royal Oak Restaurant Association. She says winter timing provides crucial backing when business slows. "We really want to encourage people to come and support these businesses. It's a hard time of year. You're going to get a great meal," said McIntyre, according to the source.

Linda Taliafeero lives in Royal Oak and stopped by Lilly's Seafood during the week. "I love this time of year. We have such great restaurants here. I love it. Absolutely," said Taliafeero.

The promotion seeks to build patronage. Both long-standing restaurants and new arrivals benefit. Diners can find participating locations at dineroyaloak.org.