Today the North Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) began its “Up to Something Local” limited-time restaurant gift card program, during which the North Little Rock Welcome Center at 600 Main Street will sell local restaurant gift cards in-store and online through the holidays.
“Gift cards are an easy way to give a ‘local’ experience, whether it’s an old favorite or a new restaurant your friends and family want to try,” said Stephanie Slagle, North Little Rock CVB Marketing Director. “Especially now, when everyone has different comfort levels around dining, gift cards can easily be used for dining in or ordering to-go, used immediately or saved for later.”
North Little Rock Welcome Center customers can purchase $20 gift cards from more than 25 North Little Rock restaurants in-store at 600 Main Street or online at www.northlittlerock.org/register. The center is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and curbside pick-up is available.
“We encourage everyone to buy gift cards directly from the restaurants if possible, which have more flexibility for the amount on the card and number of cards. We have almost 300 restaurants in North Little Rock, and a lot of them do sell gift cards, just ask,” Slagle said. “Our restaurant owners and managers have also asked us to help communicate that they are doing their absolute best to provide a safe dining experience for patrons, whether they are dining in or ordering to-go.”
The Up to Something Local restaurant gift card program will continue through at least the end of 2020 and is part of the North Little Rock CVB’s efforts to promote North Little Rock restaurants amidst the coronavirus pandemic. Arkansas restaurants are currently required to follow strict sanitation and social-distancing protocols, which include reducing total seating capacity to 66 percent. With the cold weather, restaurant patrons are less inclined to take advantage of outoor or patio seating, though some restaurants are getting creative. Flyway Brewing in North Little Rock recently debuted a new take on its popular “Tent City,” offering patrons the choice of a Lodging, Camping or Glamping dining experience.
Restaurants have quickly shifted to more online ordering, like Benihana and Chicot Hibachi North Hills. Others, like Lindsey’s Hospitality House & BBQ, have temporarily closed their dining rooms and are relying on curbside pick-up and catering orders for family holidays.
“Our restaurants that cater are worried about the cancellation of events and holiday parties,” said Erica Goss, North Little Rock CVB’s Director of Sales & Events. “Businesses might want to consider purchasing gift cards to local restaurants in lieu of a big get-together. If you have a holiday tradition of bringing in a catered meal from Moe’s or Taziki’s, for example, consider giving your employees a gift card to those restaurants to both continue supporting local businesses and show your appreciation.”
Shop local restaurant gift cards:
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American Pie Pizza Gift Card ($20) -
Benihana Gift Card ($20) -
BJ’s Market Cafe Gift Card ($20) -
Black Bear Diner Gift Card ($20) -
Blue Coast Burrito Gift Card ($20) -
Brood & Barley Gift Card ($20) -
Chicken Salad Chick Gift Card ($20) -
Chicot Hibachi North Hills Gift Certificate ($20) -
Chuy’s Tex-Mex Gift Card ($20) -
Cypress Social Gift Card ($20) -
Dark Side Coffee Co. ($20) -
Diamond Bear Brewing Company Gift Card ($20) -
Flyway Brewing Gift Card ($20) -
IHOP Gift Card ($20) -
Jersey Mike’s Subs Gift Card ($20) -
Larry’s Pizza Gift Card ($20) -
Lindsey’s Hospitality House Gift Card ($20) -
Moe’s Southwest Grill Gift Card ($20) -
Mugs Cafe Gift Card ($20) -
North Bar Gift Card ($20) -
Poke Hula Gift Card ($20) -
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen Gift Card ($20) -
Purple Cow Gift Card ($20) -
Ristorante Capeo Gift Card ($20) -
Riverfront Steakhouse Gift Certificate ($20) -
Skinny J’s Gift Card ($20) -
Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe Gift Card ($20) -
The Filling Station Gift Card ($20) -
The Popcorn Spot Gift Card -
U.S. Pizza Co. Gift Card ($20)
