Area residents should take the opportunity to pick up a meal or two next week from a local restaurant.

Weirton Restaurant Week officially begins Sunday, with more than 20 local restaurants set to take part with offers of special, limited-time menu items and discounts for all to enjoy.

For the second year, the observance has been organized by the Top of West Virginia Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Weirton Area Chamber of Commerce as a way to highlight some of the many locally owned restaurants and eateries we have available in the Weirton area, and also to encourage residents and visitors to go out and support local business.

According to officials with the two organizations, the winter season often sees lower patronage of restaurants, as colder weather discourages people from going out.

Twenty-one food-based businesses have signed on as part of this second Weirton Restaurant Week, offering specials on breakfasts, lunch deals, unique food items, drinks, desserts, and more.

Whether you want to try to the new Turkey Bacon Cheddar at Basil’s Sports Bar, enjoy a Happy Hour special at Bistro 303, take in some breakfast at the Holiday Inn Weirton-Steubenville Area, grab a beverage from the Coffee Bean, or a sweet treat from either Sweet Temptations, Rustik Rollz Bakehouse, or Frank’s Pastry Shop, or enjoy the atmosphere of Mario’s, LBV Steakhouse, Theo Yianni’s or 7 Ranges, there is sure to be something for everyone and every taste.

Every community has its favorite restaurants; something which sets them apart from others and helps to draw attention to them. It may have a special food item not available elsewhere, have a connection to the history of your town, or just hold a place in the hearts of residents.

This is a chance to explore your town and learn more about the cuisine available in the Upper Ohio Valley. Dine locally, at locally owned businesses. Try a new place or a new dish. Enjoy your time, whether by yourself or with friends or family.

We thank the CVB and Weirton Chamber for making this celebration of local restaurants possible, offer our thanks to those restaurants participating, and hope to see this observance continue for years to come.