Program that rewards customers for dining at Portland restaurants returns

Jashayla Pettigrew
·2 min read

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A month-long rewards program designed to encourage Portlanders to support local restaurants is back for its second year, and with more options to choose from.

Sponsored by destination marketing group Travel Portland, Ticket to Dine will run from March 1 through March 31. The program offers prizes to customers who dine at restaurants throughout the city.

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Last year’s inaugural Ticket to Dine spanned just over a week, and only highlighted food businesses located in Old Town and Downtown Portland.

Now, more than 80 restaurants through the Pearl District, Central Eastside, Nob Hill and other neighborhoods will have their moment.

Charlie’s Deli on Northwest 5th Avenue was one of about 40 restaurants to participate in 2023. The sandwich shop’s co-owner Charles Mattouk told program organizers he was excited to join last year’s program, and “elated” for the upcoming year.

“It’s a great way to share our love for Old Town Portland,” Mattouk said.

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Residents must purchase an entree at a listed restaurant and receive a “Ticket to Dine” in order to participate. According to program leaders, each ticket will display a QR code that leads customers to a website where they can record their ticket number and discover what their prize is.

With more than 2,000 prizes on the line, participants could win free drinks, desserts or gift cards from their favorite spots. The major prizes include tickets to Timbers matches, hotel stays and PDX Live packages.

Regardless of the prizes, Ticket to Dine founder Shauna Noah O’Connor said the program gives Portlanders the opportunity to maintain the city’s unique food community.

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“Ticket to Dine is an invitation to the people of Portland to visit old favorites, try new spots or skip a night of cooking at home just for the heck of it,” O’Connor said. “Between food trucks, restaurants, cafes and diners, there is always something new to discover when it comes to eating in this city.”

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