Troy

Meal deals mean money for winning local school

By Terry Oparka
C & G Staff Writer

Needed added incentive to eat out? You could get extra credit with the Troy School District by dining at one of 13 Troy restaurants in support of Step Up to the Plate.

Thirteen local eateries will discount food purchases 20 percent between Feb. 26 and March 1, and diners will turn in receipts to the school of their choice in the Troy School District. The school with the most receipts per student population wins a $1,000 cash prize. Step Up to the Plate is a result of a partnership between the Troy Chamber of Commerce member restaurants and the Troy School District, and is sponsored by i9 Sports.

Kerry Birmingham, community and media relations director for the Troy School District, said there’s a formula used to calculate the winning school based on the number of students compared to receipts, so it’s possible for an elementary school to beat out a high school.

“It conjures up a bit of a friendly rivalry between schools,” she said. “We’re so thankful to the restaurants that participate.”

These restaurants are participating:

• Bailey’s Pub & Grille, 1965 W. Maple.
• Brooklyn Pizza, 3141 Crooks.
• Crumpets in the Somerset Inn, 2601 W. Big Beaver.
• Dickeys Barbecue Pit, 3672 Rochester Road.
• Grand Traverse Pie Co., 1446 W. Maple.
• Kruse & Muer on Wilshire, 911 Wilshire.
• La Botana, 5947 John R.
• Noodles & Co., 6836 Rochester Road.
• Papa Romano’s, also serving Mr. Pita, 5399 Crooks.
• Ridley’s Bakery Cafe, 4054 Rochester Road.
• Shield’s Restaurant, Bar & Pizzeria, 1476 W. Maple.
• Slab ‘N Slice, 5075 Livernois.
• Tropical Smoothie Café, 1569 Main.

In past years, the event was held in late spring. Jaimi Brook, director of events for the Troy Chamber of Commerce, explained that the promotion was moved up because it worked best on the calendar for the school district and didn’t clash with end-of-the-year school activities. She added that it is also traditionally a slow time for the restaurants.

“We find this is a win-win,” Brook said. “Patrons get a discount, and restaurants are able to give back.”

New this year, i9 Sports will offer families in the Troy School District a $40 discount on any 2012 session as part of the promotion. Spring leagues include T-ball, flag football, cheerleading, soccer and basketball for children ages 3-15. Call (248) 632-6166 to redeem the offer.

Customers must present a Step Up to the Plate promotional piece at the time of their meal. These include school fliers, a Troy Times newspaper ad and this article. Download the flier at www.troy chamber.com/calendar.

You can reach C & G Staff Writer Terry Oparka at toparka@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1054.