Crave Montco Month puts the focus on dining options
31-day event ‘dishes out’ deals, supports businesses
UPPER MERION » The start of July brings with it the return of Crave Montco Month. The 31-day event puts a month-long focus on Montgomery County’s more than 1,850 restaurants and Montco Makers — breweries, wineries, and distilleries.
Crave Montco Month was introduced in 2021 by the Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board to promote the food and beverage industry in the county — one of the county’s largest employers, according to Mike Bowman, president and CEO of the Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board.
The industry was one of the hardest hit by the economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, and it’s an industry that is still recovering.
This year’s Crave Montco Month event is officially underway, and runs through July 31. More than 50 participating restaurants and Montco Makers will be offering discount promotions for customers.
“Across Montgomery County during the month of July, our Crave Montco guests will be able to explore so many different types of unique cuisine while also supporting the local economy — a real winwin for everyone,” Bowman said in a statement. “Whether you’re craving a new flavor or a hometown favorite, there is something for every taste bud. Crave Montco proves you don’t have to travel far to experience the very best dining options.”
Specials and discounts range from a percentage or dollar amount off the bill and buy one get one free deals; to free desserts, appetizers, or cocktails. Each participating restaurant and Montco Maker has the ability to choose its own promotion and it is free for restaurants to participate in this month-long celebration.
“We know the increased costs resulting from inflation combined with soaring gas prices are impacting regional consumers,” Bowman added. “Value is more important than ever when considering dining out, and Crave Montco couldn’t be arriving at a better time this summer.”
The tourism board offered a preview of what Crave Montco Month had to offer, with an event held June 29 at King of Prussia Town Center.
Guests had the chance to taste some of the offering from participating restaurants and Montco Makers. They were invited to
bring their four-legged canine friends to the event — “a nod,” the tourism board said, to the dogfriendly accommodations offered at many Montgomery County establishments.
To redeem the Crave Montco Month promotions, customers will
need to download the Visit Valley Forge app and show the app at each participating business. Once downloaded, customers can see the full list of participating restaurants and promotions.
Crave Montco Month was one of two new initiatives launched
by the Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board in 2021 in support of businesses in Montgomery County. The second new — and successful — initiative last year was Arts Montco Week, held to help encourage support of the county’s 200 arts and culture
venues, which normally represent $100 million in positive economic impact for Montgomery County.
Arts Montco Week will also be returning this Sept. 16-25 this year — but with an added dimension. The first ever Montco Jazz Fest will be incorporated into Arts Montco Week and will feature performances at iconic Montgomery County venues.