Visit Sarasota County has launched a new campaign called “Fun in the 941: The Local Bite” to encourage both residents and visitors to dine at local restaurants. The initiative runs from October 20 to December 20 and aims to support area eateries as the region heads into its peak tourism season.
Restaurants participating in the campaign are offering various promotions, including happy hours, seasonal menus, chef’s specials, prix fixe experiences, and limited-time deals. These offers are being highlighted on Funinthe941.com and through Visit Sarasota County’s social media channels. The campaign also includes efforts such as a regional influencer blitz and additional digital and in-person promotions during the holiday period.
“While local restaurants have long taken part in our Fun in the 941 deals program, we’re hoping to create not just a moment but an occasion for people to dine out, dine often, and dine locally,” said Erin Duggan, President and CEO at Visit Sarasota County. “This campaign was inspired by feedback we’ve been hearing from our dining partners, and we wanted to be responsive. The holiday season couldn’t be a better time to drive interest and appetites, from trick-or-treating to tree lighting and all the shopping sprees in between.”
The new effort follows Savor Sarasota, an annual restaurant week organized by Visit Sarasota County that marked its 20th anniversary this past June. That event generated $1.2 million in revenue for more than 60 participating restaurants during what is typically a slow tourism period.
Residents are encouraged to share their dining experiences on Instagram using #SavorThe941 and tagging @VisitSarasotaCounty through December 20. Restaurants interested in joining can contact partnership@visitsarasota.org.
For more information about current dining promotions or to make reservations, visit www.funinthe941.com.
Visit Sarasota County serves as the official tourism marketing organization for Sarasota County. It works with over 450 partners across the community to promote tourism—a leading industry for the region—and is accredited by the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program of Destination Management Association International.
