WOODFORD COUNTY, Ky. — It’s a community-wide challenge designed to promote local restaurants during this trying time.

Austin Wingate is the chairman of the Woodford County Chamber of Commerce and the project was created by the chamber.

"Our hope was is that folks would try something new, maybe try a new restaurant, that we've encouraged them to post a video on Facebook, explain where they've gone, that they're participating in the challenge, and then challenge some of their friends, as well."

The “Restaurant Challenge”, is a promotion designed to get residents to eat local, supporting their area restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ouita Michael is one of the restaurant owners participating in the effort.

"It's really easy to participate. You just buy from a local restaurant here and you post a little video or picture on either Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. You tag the person who challenged you, and if no one challenged you, you can feel free to challenge another business or another person in Woodford County. And then everybody who participates gets their name put into a drawing for a gift card to a local business."

In just over two weeks, the restaurant challenge has received more than 500 likes on Facebook and has gone viral with nearly 6,000 engagements. 

Wingate is thrilled with the response. 

"So, there's been a whole lot of traction, if you will, on social media with this, and it's been cool. We were just on Zoom calls and different things throughout the community. You hear people bringing it up and talking about it. I'm certain that not only are the businesses themselves enjoying this but the community, as well."

Michael says he's so glad he decided to participate.

"I just thought it was a fantastic idea, and I'm so proud to be a part. They featured over 25 restaurants. They've had more than 75 different videos sponsored, and that's led to thousands of different views online. It's not something I could have done by myself. So that's what makes it special to work with others and collaborate to really create something great for everybody."

Wingate says it was just a small way to show the community how much support they had.

"We really wanted the small, local businesses to know that the community was behind them. On top of that, we felt like it was a good opportunity as well to get more engagement from the community and help them see a bright light in a dark time."

A bright light during this pandemic, that local restaurateur’s hope will continue to shine, with every meal purchased and every challenge met.