The Stamford Partnership today announced that Dining Bonds customers now have the capability to donate their ‘bond’ directly to Stamford Hospital. After purchasing a Dining Bond, patrons simply contact Stamford Hospital’s concierge desk and mention the Dining Bonds program to coordinate delivery. Please note, you cannot send food directly to the hospital, you must purchase the Dining Bond then contact the concierge. For more information on the Dining Bonds and Frontline Support program please visit https://stamfordpartnership.org/dining-bonds
* Original Release | April 15th, 2020*
STAMFORD, CT – “The Stamford Partnership today announced that Dining Bonds customers now have the capability to donate their ‘bond’ directly to Stamford Hospital. After purchasing a Dining Bond, patrons simply contact Stamford Hospital’s concierge desk and mention the Dining Bonds program to coordinate delivery. Please note, you cannot send food directly to the hospital, you must purchase the Dining Bond then contact the concierge. For more information on the Dining Bonds and Frontline Support program please visit https://stamfordpartnership.org/dining-bonds”
The Stamford Partnership, in collaboration with Stamford Downtown, The Stamford Chamber of Commerce, HeyStamford!, and The City of Stamford is proud to announce The Dining Bonds initiative.
The concept for the program was brought forward by Stamford Partnership Board Member Caroline Simmons. “COVID-19 has created devastating economic challenges for people and businesses across CT, but the restaurant industry has been hit especially hard. Restaurants already operate on thin margins. The unfortunate but necessary restrictions to protect our public health over the past few weeks have further diminished those margins. We have so many wonderful restaurants in Stamford and across CT and we wanted to do everything we could to help them survive during this difficult time.” said Simmons.
Participating restaurants offer gift certificates for 85% of the face value, hence the name ‘bonds’ for the initiative’s title. Diners purchase the gift certificates directly from the restaurants and may redeem them now or in the future. “Stamford’s local restaurants are what make this community great. Until we can all come together again, face-to-face in Downtown, the Dining Bond program will go a long way in enabling our community to support the small businesses that we will rely on when we re-emerge.” said David Kooris, President of Stamford Downtown and Stamford Partnership Board Member.
The coalition driving this initiative was able to recruit 6 early adopter restaurants, Columbus Park Trattoria, Taco Daddy, Winfield Street Coffee, Lorca Coffee Bar, Sign of the Whale, and David’s Soundview Catering. The initiative then quickly grew to more than 15 participating restaurants.
“At Garden Catering we are always looking for ways to give back to our community. The Dining Bonds program does just that. By giving the program discount, we encourage the purchase of gift cards now to assist with cash flow during these unprecedented times. We know firsthand that the support of our loyal customers is what continues to drive our business. And having the support of the Stamford Partnership helps us to feel united as a community. Garden Catering continues to operate with contactless pick-up and delivery to keep our staff and customers safe.” said Tina Carpenti, Director at Garden Catering.
The soft-launch of the program saw tremendous support and engagement from the community. In the first 10 days of the program its web page was viewed more than 2,800 times by over 2,500 people. “I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly the program grew.” Said Jonathan Winkel, Executive Director of The Stamford Partnership. He continued, “The support from the community has been extraordinary. When we face a daunting challenge, Stamford rises and meets it head on.” The participating restaurants have now seen more than 500 redemption inquiries through the program.
“The program is great because restaurants get revenue when they need it most and consumers get discounts to the places they love and want to support. Everyone wins.” said Thomas Madden, Director of Economic Development for The City of Stamford and Stamford Partnership Board Member.
The initiative will run until restrictions on in-person dining are lifted. For more information and to see the participating restaurants please visit https://stamfordpartnership.org/dining-bonds/
About the Stamford Partnership
For 40 years, the Stamford Partnership – a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization – has been dedicated to enhancing Stamford’s business environment and the quality of life for all those who live, work, shop, dine, and learn in the City. For more information, visit www.stamfordpartnership.org
Stamford Partnership Contact:
Jon Winkel | Executive Director
Email: jon at stamfordpartnership dot org
Phone: (203) 653-9940
