photo by: Nick Krug/Journal-World Photo

Downtown Lawrence is pictured in this aerial photo from December 2017.

Supporting local businesses during Lawrence Restaurant Week will be especially important this year, according to a board member of Downtown Lawrence Inc. and the Lawrence Restaurant Association.

Mike Logan, a local business owner and board member of the two organizations, said that this year they were issuing a “call to action” to participate in Lawrence Restaurant Week in whatever way participants feel safest, whether that be delivery, curbside pick-up or indoor distanced dining.

“Every meal purchased helps our restaurants to survive and, hopefully, to thrive,” Logan said. “If we want to continue to enjoy these special places in the future, we have to support them in the present.”

Lawrence Restaurant Week will take place from Jan. 13 to Jan. 27, and as always, many restaurants will serve up new dishes not found on their regular menus. This is the first year the Lawrence Restaurant Association will join Downtown Lawrence Inc. in organizing the event, in preparation for the Lawrence Restaurant Association to take full ownership of the event next year. Because of the partnership, Lawrence Restaurant Week will expand citywide and feature new participating restaurants, as well as a new two-week timeline. Sally Zogry, executive director of Downtown Lawrence Inc., said she did not yet have an exact number of participating restaurants, as the deadline to join is this Friday. As of Wednesday afternoon, 27 restaurants were listed on the event’s website. Restaurant hours and pricing will vary based on location.

Lawrence restaurant owners are committed to following public health and safety guidelines to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, a news release from Downtown Lawrence Inc. said.

“The economic impact from COVID-19 has devastated many local businesses, especially restaurants,” the news release said. “Restaurant Week gives restaurants a much-needed boost during a traditionally slow time, and supporting local businesses is more important now than ever.”