Richmond Restaurant Week returns with $7 price jump

By the numbers: This year, a three-course meal a participating restaurants will run you $42.26, with $5.26 of that going to the Feed More, the region's food pantry.

• That's up from the $35.25 per person (with $5.25 going to Feed More) locals paid last year.
• Restaurants' rising food, labor and operational costs drove the decision to raise the price, event founder and Acacia Mid-Town owner Aline Reitzer tells Axios.

Flashback: Reitzer put together the first Richmond Restaurant Week in 2001 as a way to help promote and support local restaurants while raising money for the local food bank.

• That year, the three-course meals were $20.01, per a person, with $2.01 going to Feed More.
• The event became a crucial fundraiser for Feed More, and since its inception has raised more than $1.3 million to help locals in need.

Between the lines: Some restaurant owners have been pushing for a price increase for years, noting the challenge of trying to put together a quality three-course meal for diners that's under $30.

• And participation has recently fallen off.
• In 2022, 40 local restaurants were involved. This year: 24.

Yes, but: It's still a stellar lineup of restaurants, including Alewife, West Coast Provisions, Echelon Wine Bar, Stock, The Lobby Bar at Quirk Hotel and Pinky's.

If you go: Spring Richmond Restaurant Week runs from April 20-26 and it'll be back in the fall, Oct. 19-25.

• The menus are available on the restaurant websites or Instagram.
• Reservations are recommended and days might vary per restaurant.