TRAVERSE CITY - People are staying in during the cold months, but when a special occasion like Valentine’s Day comes up, people get out of the house to celebrate.
“This is definitely the holiday that gets more and more people out,” says Barbra Tulgetske, North Peak Assistant General Manager.
Traverse City Stores and Restaurants are excited to see more customers come in for the holiday of love, and expect more of them since valentine’s day is on a Friday.
“It’s a little quiet January in the beginning of February,” shares Tulgetske,” So special menu definitely helps. Lots of decorations and promotions helping people come out this weekend.”
Valentine’s day kicks off the busy season for restaurants in northern Michigan. Many of them have special menus featuring festive drinks and food to bring in more customers.
For us it brings more excitement. People coming in and having a good time is what we like to help people do. It’s part of our job to show people a lovely time and a wonderful building and wonderful memories,” explains Nick Green, Front House Manager Red Ginger, “So, helping them do these things and go through these lovely holidays is a pleasure that we take.”
The busy weekend gives restaurants a taste of what’s to come in just a few short months with Red Ginger having all reservations booked for Friday and Saturday.
“It brings back nostalgia from those busier seasons when all of our wonderful city travelers and all the people come to see the wonderful traverse city, come in and set records of guests coming to town. It’s a lot of fun,” says Green.
Stores like Cherry Republic also take pride in bringing customers in to experience a wine flight special and to promote their new wine because Valentine’s Day lands on a potential long weekend for some people. They expect to see more faces.
“With the president’s day coming up, we do expect we are going to be busier, especially with schools being out for the day and long weekend for most people,” says Marissa Rodriguez, Assistant Manager, “So we definitely see a lot of families down here this time of year. And then especially with valentine’s day, we try to cater to any special holidays.
Barbra Tulgetske explains why having specials deals is important for local businesses to set themselves apart
“It gives people a chance. Like there’s so many options in traverse city. And so, if you have something special, a coupon or a deal or a special menu, it helps people decide where to go. Everyone’s trying to save a little money right now, so definitely helps to have a special.”