Iowa City Downtown District honors mainstay businesses with ‘legacy’ month

IOWA CITY — Seventy-five businesses in the downtown Iowa City area have been in continuous operation for 20 or more years, and next month, the Iowa City Downtown District will recognize them with a series of new initiatives for Legacy Business Month.

Throughout the month of May, the District will honor the bars, restaurants, retail and other stories that are defined as “legacy.”

"These long-standing businesses are more than just your bank, law office, or places to simply shop or dine — they are cultural anchors that have helped define the character of our downtown for decades," Betsy Potter, executive director, Iowa City Downtown District, said in a news release. "Legacy Business Month allows us to celebrate their resilience, expertise, and the authentic experiences they provide that cannot be replicated elsewhere.“

Legacy Business Month promotions

Throughout the month of May the Downtown District is offering promotions and discounts at legacy businesses downtown.

The “Legacy Passport” allows customers who dine at any six legacy restaurants or bars to be entered into a drawing for a $200 downtown district gift card. Beginning May 6, passports can be picked up at any restaurant or bar. Customers will receive a sticker with their bill to put on the passport.

Between May 19-28, shoppers who spend $200 or more at participating retail businesses will receive a $40 “bounce back” to use June 9-14.

Additionally, the downtown district is hosting various lunches and happy hours at participating businesses.

More information and full list of promotions — and the downtown area’s legacy businesses — can be found at downtowniowacity.com/legacy-businesses.

Comments: megan.woolard@thegazette.com

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