Chicago Chefs Cook New Campaign Seeks to Boost Restaurant Traffic

Bob Benenson
4 days ago
2 min read

Dining and Posting About It May Earn Special Culinary Experiences

The culinary industry is facing an array of existential challenges. For many restaurants, these include diners patronizing less often.

Rallying to help is the Chicago Chefs Cook philanthropic non-profit. Mainly focused on broad humanitarian causes since its launch in March 2022, the organization looks inward with a new "Eat Near, Eat Here" campaign that encourages diners to eat at six local restaurants between November 28 and January 22.

Patrons who post on social media about their visits to (at least) six restaurants will be eligible to access what Chicago Chefs Cook describes at "unique culinary experiences."

At this point, the just-announced program is seeking chef participation in the campaign. The following release with details about Eat Near, Eat Here includes a link for chefs to sign up.

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Dear Chicago Chefs:

Our industry is facing unprecedented challenges — from restaurant closures and job losses to the broader economic headwinds and social hardships that have affected every corner of our hospitality community. It has been an incredibly difficult time for so many.

Over the past month, we’ve listened closely to your voices, your guidance, your concerns, and your calls to action. You’ve shared how essential it is to support local establishments, protect the jobs of restaurant workers, and stand together as a united Chicago culinary community. Your passion and perseverance continue to inspire us and shape the path forward.

In that spirit, we are proud to share that Chicago Chefs Cook is launching Eat Near, Eat Here, a campaign designed to increase restaurant patronage, enhance employee morale and resources, and spotlight the soul of our city— all of you.

We hope this initiative brings both energy and support to your restaurants and teams, reminding our community that dining local is one of the most powerful ways to help keep Chicago’s spirit alive.

Here’s how it will work:

We’ll launch a social media challenge inviting Chicago diners to eat at six local restaurants between November 28, 2025 and January 22, 2026
Each time they dine, they’ll post a photo of their experience, tag the restaurant, tag Chicago Chefs Cook, #EatNearEatHere, and share a comment about why this local restaurant/meal/chef/staff is so special to them.
Once participants post six times, they’ll DM us to become eligible for access to unique culinary experiences courtesy of CCC (please feel free to donate culinary packages and experiences if you feel compelled to help us incentivize diner participation)

If you’d like to participate, please sign up here!

We’ll keep you updated on the campaign launch, sponsorship opportunities, media features, and other ways you can continue to uplift and support Chicago’s chefs and restaurant workers. As always, we welcome your thoughts and feedback — our strength is in our collaboration and shared purpose.