The COVID-19 pandemic was difficult for just about everybody, but it’s tough to argue against the fact that, among businesses, fewer were harder hit than restaurants. This week gives us a chance to give back and remind them how important they are to us.

Downtown Marquette Restaurant Week, which is presented by the Marquette Downtown Development Authority, is currently underway and runs through Saturday.

The Travel Marquette website states, “Celebrate the local flavors of Downtown Marquette’s dining scene during the eighth annual ‘Downtown Marquette Restaurant Week.’ Participating Downtown Marquette restaurants will offer delicious lunch menus and select dinner meals. Restaurant Week provides the community the opportunity to experience a wide variety of culinary opportunities for foodies to enjoy. Whether it is fine dining, local seafood, and artisan baked goods, pub grub, authentic ethnic cuisine, or just a good sandwich, find your favorite meal deal at one of the participating downtown gems.”

Participating businesses include the 906 Bar & Grill, Aloha Grill, Aubree’s, Casa Calabria, Cruisin’, Donckers, The Delft Bistro, Elizabeth’s Chop House, Lagniappe, Northland Gastropub, Portside Inn, Stucko’s, Trenary Toast, Togo’s, Vango’s, the Vierling Restaurant and the Zephyr Wine Bar and Cafe.

There isn’t a business on that list that didn’t experience hardships over the last two years. Every last one of them could use a bit of community support, and this is a great week to show them some love. Even after restaurant week has concluded, we need to give our best effort throughout the year to keep these great establishments afloat. After all, our community would feel a lot more empty without them.