Take your family to share a meal at your favourite restaurant or bring your sweetheart for a romantic dinner to celebrate the vibrant restaurant industry during B.C. Restaurant Week (Feb. 10 - 16, 2014).

The Province is joining with the B.C. Restaurant and Foodservices Association to officially proclaim the week and to encourage everyone to support local restaurants. With two celebratory holidays in that time period - B.C. Family Day and Valentine's Day - it's the perfect opportunity to head out and explore some of the more than 12,000 diverse restaurants throughout B.C.

The restaurant industry plays a vital role in B.C.'s economy, employing more than 175,000 British Columbians and generating more than $10 billion in annual sales.

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The province would also like to acknowledge the B.C. Restaurant and Foodservices Association (BCRFA) for its work to promote B.C.'s restaurant industry. The BCRFA has been the voice of the food and restaurant industry for over 40 years and represents over 3,000 members.

Quotes:

Minister of State for Tourism and Small Business Naomi Yamamoto-

"B.C. Restaurant Week is your chance to get out and support your favourite local restaurant. More than 175,000 British Columbians work hard every day to create an amazing variety of cuisine. So get out and share a meal during the week and feel good that you're supporting a vital part of B.C.'s economy."

BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association president Ian Tostenson-

"By visiting a B.C. restaurant this week, you're also putting your hard-earned money right back into the hands of small business owners. That's because of the 12,000 restaurants in our province, the vast majority are small businesses or independently owned."

Quick Facts:

• Each day there are 2.7 million visits to a restaurant or food provider in British Columbia.
• Restaurants contribute approximately $43 million to charities in B.C. each year.
• One in five British Columbians aged 15 to 24 are employed in the restaurant and food services industry.

Learn More:

To find out more information about the restaurant industry in British Columbia, please visit: www.bcrfa.com

Media Contact:

Media Relations
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour
Minister of State for Tourism and Small Business
250 387-2799