Digs Gastropub owner Bill Digneit restocks items at the pop-up pantry at its location along Washington Street in Marquette. The restaurant is one of several participating in Marquette Restaurant Week. (Journal file photo)

MARQUETTE — Downtown Marquette’s annual Restaurant Week kicks off Sunday and while ongoing capacity restrictions will prevent the usual hustle and bustle the weeklong event brings, food lovers can still cash in on some awesome deals from 16 participating local businesses.

“Downtown Marquette Restaurant Week is a highly anticipated event for both locals and visitors to the area,” said Tara Laase-McKinney, events and promotions coordinator for the Marquette Downtown Development Authority, in a news release. “There’s something for everyone. With so many delicious offerings, it will be tough to choose where to eat first. It’s my favorite week of the year in downtown Marquette.”

Restaurant Week satisfies a wide array of taste buds, whether you’re looking for American cuisine, international cuisine, a morning snack, quick lunch, big dinner or a simple cup of coffee.

“Participating downtown Marquette restaurants will offer delicious meals at special prices,” the MDDA said. “Restaurant Week provides the community the opportunity to experience a wide variety of culinary opportunities, all while supporting our local restaurants. Whether it is fine dining, local seafood, artisan baked goods, pub grub, authentic ethnic cuisine or just a good sandwich, find your favorite meals at one of the participating downtown gems.”

Restaurant Week takes place April 11-17 and is up first on the docket of MDDA events in the spring/summer season, all of which were canceled last year due to the pandemic. Following Restaurant Week in the MDDA’s event lineup will be Music on Third on July 15, Aug. 19 and Sept. 16, Blueberry Festival on July 30 and Classic Cars on Third on Aug. 21.

In a previous Mining Journal article, the MDDA stated that each event will be altered to comply with health and safety protocols. It also encouraged ordering takeout during Restaurant Week, despite food and beverage businesses now being allowed to operate at 50% capacity.

“At all Marquette DDA events, we encourage those who attend to socially distance, to wear masks indoors or when in close contact with others while outside, to frequently wash or sanitize hands, and encourage those who feel unwell to stay home,” organizers said in a previous news release. “Public safety will remain the Marquette DDA’s top priority at any event they host. While they will make every effort to ensure these events will take place in a safe manner, decisions and occurrences beyond their control may prohibit them from going forward with an event, including limitations on the number of individuals who can gather at an outdoor event. The Marquette DDA will keep the public up to date with any cancellations that may happen due to restrictions because of COVID-19.

“The Marquette DDA will continue to keep a close eye on state and local regulations and make decisions about holding any event based on those decisions. The safety of the public is always (at the) forefront of any decision made by the Marquette DDA.”

Restaurant Week menus that highlight specials and deals each business is offering can be found on the MDDA website at https://www.downtownmarquette.org/downtown-events/restaurant-week. Specials and deals are subject to change.

Ryan Spitza can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 248. His email address is rspitza@miningjournal.net.