2026 JFM Restaurant Week
We’re thrilled to pilot our first-ever JFM Restaurant Week on August 3-9, inviting restaurants to partner with our local farmers to source ingredients close to home!
Restaurant Week FAQ:
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Yes, to participate you must have food sourced from a local farmer or producer in the area – Chautauqua, Erie (PA/NY), Cattaraugus, Warren (this is basically our only requirement).
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Yes! We know that there are plenty of farmers across the county. If you already have a relationship with some – great! We can also connect you with our network of farmers.
We will send out our farmers and food vendor lists in May.
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No, while we would love to see the creativity you and your team have to make a uniquely YOU menu, all we ask is at least one menu item.
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We will announce participating restaurants the first week of July (if not sooner), and will have your menu items posted by mid-July.
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While the weather is always a bit wonky, generally in New York, here is what is in season at the beginning of August:
Fruits: Apples, blackberries, blueberries, cantaloupes, peaches, plums. Possibly: pears, raspberries, and watermelon
Vegetables: Snap beans, beets, most greens, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, early corn, cucumbers, eggplant, garlic, most herbs, kale, leeks, lettuces, onions, peppers, potatoes, radishes, spinach, summer squash, tomatoes, turnips, zucchini
Others that are available year round: meats, cheeses, mushrooms, microgreens, baked goods.
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Since the grapes you use are already local, we’d love for you to participate as is. We’d include a week of your choosing to come and sell at the farmers market! Though if you offer cheese, snacks, or small bites – check out the menu development section below for ideas!
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The possibilities are endless - to participate, you just have to adapt or create at least 1 menu item using local grown or raised food.
Often times, restaurants that participate in a restaurant week will create a pre fixe menu. It will include 3-4 options (or an app, salad, entree, and maybe a dessert) with a set price. Sometimes each course might have up to 2 options available for guests to choose from.
We would love to see you create a pre-fixed menu or at least have a locally sourced app, salad, side, and/or entree.
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Some ideas:
Buffalo Chicken Dip using local chicken
Veggie Springs Rolls using fresh and local vegetables
Avocado Toast using fresh sourdough bread
Bacon Wrapped Jalapeños or dates using local bacon and jalapeños
Pulled Pork/Beef Sliders using local meats
Local Meat, Cheese, and Veggie Charcuterie Board
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Some ideas:
French Onion Soup with local onions and homemade stock
Caprese Salad with fresh summer tomatoes and basil
Traditional Side Salad with local greens and toppings
Cream of Mushroom Soup with fresh mushrooms
Watermelon & Mint Salad with both coming from local sources
Tomato Bisque with fresh tomatoes and herb with local cream
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Some ideas:
Swap popular cuts of meat in your customer favorites - use local pork chops, bacon, chicken breast, steaks, pork sausage
Use fresh ground beef and cheese for burgers
Include local veggies and meats on pizzas
Swap out local eggs and bacon for your breakfast plates
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Some ideas:
Use local potatoes for fresh cut fries, roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes or more.
Grilled fresh and local vegetables
Fresh grilled local corn
Coleslaw using local cabbage
Glazed carrots
Mushroom risotto
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Some ideas:
Use fresh herbs or microgreens for garnish
Use local fruit to muddle into cocktails or dessert
Create an awesome menu to tout!

