A new initiative in Northern Kentucky aims to help keep local businesses afloat during the tough winter months. And by taking part, you could also win gift cards to some of your favorite Northern Kentucky bars and restaurants.
Dine NKY, a collaboration between community and city leaders with organizations and business councils in Northern Kentucky, including meet NKY and the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, kicks off Tuesday, Jan. 21 and runs through Feb. 14. The program encourages people to dine out on Tuesdays, typically one of the slowest days for many establishments, especially in the winter.
All you have to do to participate in Dine NKY is enjoy a meal or drink at a locally owned bar or restaurant on a Tuesday, snap a photo or take a short video of your visit and share it on social media, being sure to tag the establishment and use the hashtag #DineNKY. When you do this, you’ll be entered for the chance to win a $50 gift card to a Northern Kentucky bar or restaurant. You will also be entered to win the grand prize of $300 in gift cards at the end of the campaign.
This winter has been especially tough for Northern Kentucky’s small businesses as drivers face challenges crossing the river after the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge caught fire in November, shutting down the southbound lanes of the bridge. While crews recently started replacing the girders on the bridge, there’s still a ways to go before construction is finished. Add that to the current issues of ingredient prices and inflation many restaurants are facing and it could spell out more closures.
Nick Pesola of Pesola Restaurant Group said the bridge closure made such a financial impact on his Cuban restaurant, Amador, and his food hall Bridgeview, both at Newport on the Levee, that he had to close them.
“The Big Mac Bridge closure has added insult to injury during these winter months when many local businesses are already struggling,” Bellevue Mayor Charlie Cleves said. “I see firsthand how hard these business owners and their staffs work to keep the lights on. They rely heavily on the support of our communities both here and on the other side of the river and I hope as people are making purchases in January and February, they consider dining local.”
And earlier this month, Bill and Morgan Whitlow announced they would be closing their Covington rooftop restaurant Opal, citing “insurmountable” obstacles. In December, the couple also closed their other Covington restaurant, Rich’s Proper, as well as the Covington Yard location of their Hangry Omar’s Slider Shack concept.
“Covington’s eclectic array of unique restaurants is one of the things that makes The Cov such a great place to live, work, and visit … and let’s not forget the jobs they provide,” said Covington Mayor Ron Washington. “But running a restaurant like any small business is a challenge, and they need our support. I invite everyone to participate in the Dine NKY initiative by eating out on Tuesdays and helping not only our restaurants but the people who work there.”
You can get more information on Dine NKY, as well as ideas on Northern Kentucky bars and restaurants to patron, at meetnky.com and by following the hashtag #DineNKY on social media through Feb. 14.
This article appears in Jan 8-21, 2025.
