The annual dining promotion has generated more than $1.3 million for the Food Bank for Larimer County.
Great Plates of Downtown, the annual dining promotion in downtown Fort Collins, returns for its 21st year with two weeks of exceptional dining experiences and fundraising for hunger relief in Larimer County. From March 1-14, diners can enjoy curated menu specials at 49 participating restaurants while supporting the Food Bank for Larimer County.
This year’s promotion features specially priced menu selections at $25, $35, $45 and $15 and under. The signature business promotion showcases downtown’s culinary diversity, from breakfast favorites to elegant dinner experiences, bringing the community together around great food and an even greater purpose.
Great Plates of Downtown is more than delicious dining. It’s a community-driven tradition that has raised more than $1.3 million for the Food Bank for Larimer County since 2008, providing more than 2.3 million meals. Diners are encouraged to add a donation to their bill, with 100 percent of contributions directly supporting neighbors facing food insecurity.
“If ever there was a chance to support your favorite restaurants while finding new favorites, it’s Great Plates of Downtown,” says Amy Pezzani, CEO of the Food Bank for Larimer County. “Every year, we are blown away by the amazing dishes our local restaurants offer, and it’s all to support our work at the Food Bank. Every diner who chooses to donate will make a tremendous difference in helping us provide nourishing food for our community. Each dollar donated through this promotion helps us purchase the equivalent of enough food for two meals. Great Plates is such a fun opportunity to dine for a cause, and we are so grateful to our local restaurants and downtown Fort Collins partners for making this annual initiative a reality.”
This year’s promotion welcomes newcomers The Bread Chic, The Duchess Tea Room, Edison’s Ice Cream, Little Latitudes Cajun Street Food, Maida Trattoria, Nuance Chocolate and Sugar Salt Sand alongside longtime favorites CooperSmith’s Brewpub & Billiards and The Melting Pot, which has participated all 21 years.
Menu special details will be featured at greatplatesofdowntown.com, making it easy to plan culinary adventures and discover new dining destinations. Featured items are subject to change.
How to participate
- Discover: Explore the Great Plates of Downtown restaurant guide at greatplatesofdowntown.com and choose from specials available March 1-14.
- Dine: Inform your server that you’d like to participate in Great Plates of Downtown and choose your perfect plate.
- Donate: Consider leaving a donation for the Food Bank after your meal through provided envelopes, designated credit card lines at select participating restaurants or the official PayPal link.
Menu pricing does not include donations to the Food Bank for Larimer County, taxes or gratuities. Credit card donation options vary by location. Server gratuities are separate from meal pricing and Food Bank donations.
The Fort Collins Downtown Development Authority sincerely appreciates the participating restaurants, their skilled workforce and the community for their enthusiastic support. Despite the challenges the hospitality industry faces, the downtown restaurant community has continued to champion this annual tradition, actively contributing to its ongoing impact.
