The Ogden Eats culinary promotion is entering its final days, with the community-driven event scheduled to run through Sunday, Nov. 15. The annual celebration, which began on Nov. 5, features 16 local restaurants offering seasonal menus and special deals to support independently owned eateries in the area.
Promoting Local Eateries
The promotion is designed to bolster the local restaurant scene during the transition from summer activities to the winter tourist season. According to Visit Ogden, the campaign aims to support local businesses during typically slower periods and help independent establishments compete against larger industry chains.
"A rising tide lifts all ships," Visit Ogden Director of Marketing and Communications Taylor Hartman said on Nov. 3. He noted that the promotion helps identify and promote trending, independently owned restaurants in the downtown Ogden area.
Featured Restaurant Menus
Participating establishments include Roosters Brewing Co., which is offering specialty smash burgers, Smoked Brisket Poutine, and other fall-inspired dishes. Other featured venues include Slackwater Pub & Pizzeria, which will serve a three-course meal featuring Thanksgiving dinner pizza, and Steve's Black Sabbath BBQ, which is offering a free dessert with the purchase of an entree.
Other participants in the 16-restaurant lineup include Taboo Pizza, Union Grille, Hilton Garden Grille, The Mercantile on 25th Street, Warren's Craft Burger, and UTOG Brewing. The full list of participants has included Tona Sushi Bar & Grill, Ramen Haus, Hearth on 25th, Lucky Slice Pizza, Ogden Beer Company, and The Sonora Grill.
A Decade of Tradition
The Ogden Eats program has been a mainstay in the region since 2013. While the campaign has grown in sponsorship and participation over the years, it has also reflected shifts in the local economy. During the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, the program's format changed when Visit Ogden used state funding to distribute gift cards instead of traditional marketing.
Organizers emphasized that the collaborative nature of the campaign helps strengthen individual businesses and Ogden's reputation as a food destination. The initiative relies on contributions from restaurants, food and beverage distributors, suppliers, and other community partners to fund the coordinated marketing effort.
Event Conclusion
The current Ogden Eats event concludes this Sunday, Nov. 15. Visit Ogden encourages residents to support the local economy by visiting participating restaurants and sharing their dining experiences on social media.
Economic Impact
The annual promotion remains a critical tool for local entities as they face competition from global chains. Visit Ogden officials noted that as the holiday season approaches, these dining deals provide an incentive for residents to support the local workforce and the community's economic and cultural identity.
Seasonal Specialties
The current celebration of food and community is highlighted by a variety of seasonal offerings. These range from brunch items like shakshuka and cinnamon sugar dough knots at Taboo Pizza to specialized items like crab-stuffed filet of beef at Hilton Garden Grille.
