The long awaited and highly anticipated Alabama Restaurant Week promotion begins today and continues through Aug. 25. That’s 10 days of meal-deals at about 250 restaurants throughout the state and six right here in Pike County.

Milky Moo’s, Sips on the Square, Sisters, The BBQ House, The Brick and The Party Pad in Troy are all participating and will have Alabama Restaurant Week during the 10-day event.

Barbara McQuagge, BBQ House owner, knows a good deal when she sees one and “Alabama Restaurant Week” is a good deal.

“Any time that you can get free advertising, that’s a good deal,” McQuagge said. “And this is statewide advertising and that’s a real good deal.”

McQuagge said her hopes are that having the name of her restaurant on promotional material around that state will bring in “tourist” trade as well as local patrons during Alabama Restaurant Week.

“I’ve put out the flyers that the state sent and I’ve got some good specials ready to go,” she said. “All of our appetizers will be $5 and I’ve got a barbecue sandwich and French fries deal. We’re hoping for a good week.”

Sisters Restaurant always makes the effort to participate in Alabama Tourism promotions, which are good for business and a different way of saying “thank you” to their patrons.

“We’re proud to be participating,” said Geraldine Umbehagen, restaurant co-owner. “It’s always fun to do something different. Our special will be a meat and two, dessert and tea for $10 Monday through Wednesday. We think our customers will enjoy the special because most everybody likes to end their meal with a little something sweet.”

Shelia Jackson, Troy tourism director, said all state promotions are good for business, especially the food business.

“Everybody eats,” Jackson said, with a laugh. “And, eating is a planned part of so many things that we do. Six of our local restaurants are participating in the statewide event and we encourage people to check out their specials and see what ‘good things to the eat’ they have to offer.”

Kathy Sauer, Pike County Chamber of Commerce president, said that the Chamber is excited to partner with the state to market restaurants in Pike County.

“The advantages of statewide advertising is tremendous,” Sauer said. “It’s also an opportunity to entice people from outside the county to try the participating restaurants and for local residents to learn about these restaurants.”

Sauer said no coupons are required to participate in the specials offered during Alabama Restaurant Week. They are meal deals that everyone can enjoy.

“Hopefully, the Alabama Tourism Department will continue to offer marketing partnerships because they are so beneficial to business,” she said.