Restaurant Week is a special, limited-time event where local restaurants come together to offer prix-fixe menus, exclusive discounts, and seasonal specials to encourage diners to explore the local culinary scene. It’s a celebration of food, community, and culture; giving residents and visitors alike a reason to try new spots, support neighborhood favorites, and experience everything a region has to offer, all while boosting local businesses. 

In Rancho Mirage and Palm Springs, Restaurant Week became a turning point as an initiative that didn’t just fill tables for a few days, but sparked long-term benefits for small businesses, local diners, and the regional economy.

The secret? A smart, targeted use of Community Cards powered by Yiftee that made local spending more rewarding than ever.

"This year, we're making Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week even more enticing for residents and visitors to explore the vibrant and diverse culinary scene in Palm Springs while also supporting local businesses," said Palm Springs Mayor Ron deHarte.

Since 2024, Palm Springs has generated more than $414,000 for the local economy with their Community Card accepted at 121 local businesses. During Restaurant Week in Palm Springs, $46,000 went to local restaurants. 

In Rancho Mirage, more than $216,000 have been recirculated in the local economy since 2024 at 62 approved local businesses. During the Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week, $51,000 went to local restaurants.

Bonus Cards to Attract Hungry Diners

In Palm Springs and Rancho Mirage, city leaders turned this annual celebration into a powerful economic driver using Yiftee-powered Community Cards.

Both cities launched Buy-One-Get-One (BOGO) promotions to coincide with Restaurant Week: shoppers who purchased a $100 Community Card received an additional $50 bonus card. The bonus was valid exclusively at participating local restaurants during the week but diners who experienced a new spot, often thanks to the card, returned later. Some became regulars. And many were reminded of the joy (and taste!) of choosing local.

"50% of our users are based in our city, and users from other cities will buy them to come to our city which I think is a great benefit," said Gabe Codding, Rancho Mirage’s Director of Marketing.

The program was an instant hit. Locals quickly discovered the card as a smart way to enjoy a great meal for their money’s worth plus some while supporting the shops and restaurants that make Rancho Mirage feel like home. In a region where tourism is strong but local loyalty is essential, the card helped bridge the gap.

"We're a resort community. Highly reliant on tourism, highly reliant on retail, retail sales,” said Codding. “To be able to have a program like this... [where] you can pick the times of year and the periods where it might traditionally be slow, I think it's a great way to engage with your local chambers and your local businesses." 

In both Rancho Mirage and Palm Springs, the Community Cards have now become part of the local culture. They're not just a promotion, they’re a local habit. And Restaurant Week helped establish that habit in a way that feels authentic and exciting.

“We love Restaurant Week! It’s like our own local holiday,” said Palm Springs Business District Administrator Dean Grubl. “Restaurants showcase the variety of cuisines that reflect our region’s rich culture. Families and friends unite through food, creating moments of joy, connection and shared experience. It was so popular, we decided to do it every year!”

Closed-loop Cards Keep Restaurant Week Funds Local

Because Palm Springs and Rancho Mirage used closed-loop Community Cards during Restaurant Week, every dollar spent through the program stayed right in the local economy. 

Instead of leaking out to national chains or third-party platforms, funds were redeemed exclusively at participating hometown restaurants. That means more revenue for small business owners, more hours for local employees, and more money recirculating within the community. For cities like Palm Springs and Rancho Mirage, this approach doesn’t just boost business during a single week, it strengthens the entire local ecosystem, building long-term resilience and local pride.

“The Love Local Palm Springs gift card program is a great new way to explore the vibrant Palm Springs destination and support our ultra-cool local businesses,” said former Palm Springs Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein. “In Palm Springs, there truly is something for everyone!”

Cook Up Your Own Restaurant Week

If you're looking for a way to drive traffic to local restaurants, boost small business revenue, and create a memorable experience for your community, a Restaurant Week powered by Yiftee’s Community Card is a proven, turnkey solution. It’s easy to launch, simple for both merchants and diners to use, and delivers real economic impact that stays local. 

As Palm Springs and Rancho Mirage have shown, one thoughtfully designed week can ignite long-term growth and loyalty—without the complexity or cost of traditional promotions. Whether you’re a tourism leader, city official, or local business advocate, now is the perfect time to bring flavor—and funding—back to your community.

If your community is ready for its own Restaurant Week, we’re here to help. Schedule a demo with Yiftee to see if a community card is right for your town.