Enjoy a great meal and support wildfire relief during Dine LA Restaurant Week
January 29, 2025 11:51 AM
by Jennifer Taylor
It’s Dine LA Restaurant Week, and while this is always a great time to try out that place you’ve been eyeing or taste a new dish at an old favorite spot, this year’s Restaurant Week holds special significance.
LA Tourism is donating $5 per reservation made to the American Red Cross to support wildfire relief, and Banc of California is matching those donations, raising the total donation up to $100,000.
And, with more than 40 Santa Monica eateries participating, Restaurant Week is an easy and enjoyable way to support wildfire recovery AND local businesses – not to mention give yourself a moment of care and comfort.
Thankfully, no businesses in Santa Monica lost their buildings, but many did take a financial hit from the road closures, evacuations and devastation from the wildfires. January is always a tough month for retail and restaurants after the bustle of the holidays, and this year’s added strain is affecting some small businesses’ ability to stay afloat.
Santa Monica’s Economic Development Team, in partnership with Santa Monica Travel & Tourism, Downtown Santa Monica, Inc., and the local Business Improvement Districts, has been working to support local businesses and offer resources, as well as to make spaces available in Santa Monica for business owners, schools and other enterprises that lost their facilities in the Palisades Fire.
As a city, we are committed to continuing to support our neighbors to the north and our business community here in Santa Monica.
It’s been truly heartening to see how the community has stepped up, with individuals donating money, clothes and food, and businesses offering hot meals, discounted hotels and other specials to first responders, evacuees, and those who have lost their homes.
Restaurant Week offers another small way to contribute. Hope to see you at one of these restaurants! And we’d love to see and hear about your experiences – don’t forget to shout out your favorite Santa Monica restaurants on social media (and @BuyLocalSM, #BuyLocalGiveLocal) and through word of mouth. Every bit helps!
Restaurants in Santa Monica participating in Dine LA Restaurant Week through Feb. 7:
Authored By
Jennifer Taylor
Economic Development Manager