This post is sponsored by Red Wing Downtown Main Street and Red Wing Port Authority.
With its rich history and beautiful landscape, Red Wing seems like the perfect package for residents and tourists alike, but many believe the city is missing one very important element: flavor. With more than 16,000 residents and 400,000 hungry out-of-town visitors each year, the picturesque river town could use a few more places to exercise the palate. The Red Wing Restaurant Challenge is a chance for food-oriented entrepreneurs to fill the food gap, and to receive plenty of help doing it.
Data compiled by ESRI’s geographic information system (GIS) determined that Red Wing can support an estimated $30.5 million in restaurant food sales per year, yet less than $20 million is currently being served. In other words, Red Wing foodies are underserved by more than 30 percent and those hungry people have had enough. Or, more accurately, they haven’t had enough.
In an effort to add some flavor to this historic river town, those in the city hungry for more food options have created The Restaurant Challenge. Red Wing Downtown Main Street and the Red Wing Port Authority have partnered up to organize a challenge that truly benefits everyone, from those looking to fill their bellies to those looking to fill available retail space with the sumptuous smells of fine cuisine. Challenge winners will have an exciting new business venture and the community will have more dining options, as well as an increase in foot traffic for local businesses. It’s winner-winner-chicken-dinner for everyone. Quite literally.
Up to three Challenge winners will receive an incentive package valued at nearly $40,000. This robust package consists of an attractive cash prize and vital professional services. Discounted rental space in a prime downtown location, advertising, in-kind business support, and marketing services are only a few of the beneficial services provided for the winners.
Anyone with a strong restaurant background and an entrepreneurial passion are encouraged to apply for The Restaurant Challenge. The only prerequisites listed are to have “a love of food” and a desire “to help Red Wing open tasty restaurants.”
The applications are due May 15, 2014, so there is still time to apply. More information about The Restaurant Challenge and how to apply is available at tastyredwing.com or by contacting Jill Fanslow, program coordinator for Downtown Main Street, at 651.235.2430.
