Main Street Ottumwa is launching a new monthly initiative designed to support downtown dining establishments in a simple and meaningful way.
The Downtown Lunch Club will debut on Thursday, February 26, at Amore Italian Restaurant, 334 E. Main Street and will continue on the fourth Thursday of each month at a different downtown location.
Downtown Lunch Club is modeled after a “cash mob” concept. Each month, community members are invited to gather at a featured restaurant, purchase their own lunch and enjoy good food and great company while directly supporting a local business. There is no formal
program, no membership requirement, and no agenda beyond showing up and sharing a meal together.
“This is one of the simplest ways we can support our downtown businesses,” said Kris Patrick, Executive Director of Main Street Ottumwa. “When a group of people intentionally choose to dine local on the same day, it creates energy, boosts visibility and makes a real impact for that restaurant. It’s also just a fun way to connect with neighbors and colleagues.”
The event is open to business owners, employees, residents and anyone who wants to be part of strengthening downtown Ottumwa. Main Street Ottumwa will rotate locations each month to ensure a wide range of restaurants benefit from the added foot traffic and exposure.
By encouraging participants to gather regularly and dine locally, Downtown Lunch Club supports Main Street Ottumwa’s mission to foster a vibrant, dynamic and healthy downtown through community engagement and collaborative partnerships.
Community members are encouraged to mark their calendars for February 26 and plan to join the group at Amore Italian Restaurant.
Additional dates and locations will be announced at www.mainstreetottumwa.com/events.
