21-year downtown dining tradition surpasses $1.4 million in cumulative giving to hunger relief
The Fort Collins Downtown Development Authority (DDA), in partnership with 49 restaurants, announced that the 2026 Great Plates of Downtown Fort Collins promotion raised $101,887 for the Food Bank for Larimer County.
From March 1-14, diners enjoyed special menus from participating downtown restaurants, with meal deals priced at $25, $35, $45 and $15 and under. Proceeds supported hunger relief efforts across Larimer County. In its 21st year, the Great Plates promotion continues to showcase downtown Fort Collins’ vibrant culinary scene and generous community spirit.
“We’re so deeply appreciative of our community for their support,” says Amy Pezzani, CEO of the Food Bank for Larimer County. “Thank you to our amazing restaurant partners, downtown Fort Collins and each person who dined and donated during Great Plates of Downtown. Your collective efforts mean more meals for more families and individuals in Larimer County facing hunger. Thank you all for making such an incredible impact.”
Nate and Mariah, parents of a family of six and Food Bank clients, shared that when government shutdowns delayed SNAP benefits, their family of six, including four boys ages 6 to 15, relied on the Food Bank as their main source of food.
“It’s hard to keep food in the house,” Mariah says. “We use it all.”
The DDA praised all 49 participating restaurants and their talented staff for their exceptional hospitality during the promotion. It also highlighted this year’s top five fundraisers: Social, Rodizio Grill Fort Collins, The Melting Pot Fort Collins, Sonny Lubick Steakhouse and Bistro Nautile. Additionally, LuLu Asian Bistro received the highest number of individual donations.
“We are so grateful to be part of another incredible Great Plates—21 years is something to truly celebrate,” says Ty Fulcher, founder of Social and co-owner of Rodizio Grill, Union Bar & Soda Fountain and The Melting Pot. “Our staff really gets behind this promotion because we all deeply care about our Northern Colorado community, and supporting the Food Bank for Larimer County is meaningful work that makes a real difference. I want to extend a huge thank you to our guests for their generosity, our teams for their hard work and our sister restaurants for once again showing up in a big way. Together, we raised $38,990. And to every restaurant that participated this year, thank you. Your commitment to this community is what makes Great Plates so special. Great job, everyone.”
Since 2008, the Great Plates of Downtown Fort Collins dining promotion has aligned with community efforts to raise funds for the Food Bank for Larimer County, generating $1,471,490 in total. This is a testament to the community’s generosity and the unwavering commitment of its participating downtown restaurants.
Great Plates of Downtown will return from March 1-14, 2027, continuing the tradition of great plates for a greater purpose.
