Midweek Melbourne Money has set the city abuzz, with diners pumping $20 million into cafes, bars and restaurants in just over 10 days.
The initiative, which offered a 30 per cent rebate on midweek meals in the city, drew in people from across Victoria, with 60 per cent of diners travelling from outside the City of Melbourne municipality.
Diners visiting from outside the city spent an average of $43 more than city residents, with an average spend of $176. The average spend across the program was $158.
The highest share of claims from people outside the municipality came from foodies living in South Melbourne, Collingwood, Abbotsford, Williams Landing and Brunswick East.
The Midweek Melbourne Money scheme was offered through the $200 million Melbourne City Revitalisation Fund - a joint partnership between the City of Melbourne and the Victorian Government.
Attributable to Lord Mayor Sally Capp
"After six lockdowns, Melburnians wasted no time reuniting with friends and family, with 130,000 successful claims submitted in less than three weeks," the Lord Mayor said.
"While Chin Chin, Thai Town and Gold Leaf Harbour View were among the most popular restaurants overall, our local neighbourhood businesses also received a boost, with businesses like Roccella, Panda Hot Pot and Hardimans Hotel all receiving plenty of claims.
"We saw a staggering 40,000 claims in the final two days of Midweek Melbourne Money, as diners rushed to take advantage of the $5 million scheme before it ran out.
"While Midweek Melbourne Money has ended, there are plenty of other reasons to visit our marvellous city - I'm enjoying the Christmas Festival, live music and cocktails in the sun. And who could forget New Year's Eve, and Australia's largest ever drone show!"
Attributable to City Activation Portfolio Lead Councillor Roshena Campbell
"92 per cent of people who claimed Midweek Melbourne Money said the scheme was a key reason why they visited the city," Cr Campbell said.
"About 30 per cent of diners spent more than $100 on other activities around town, proving the scheme was also a boost to city retailers, theatres, entertainment businesses and galleries."
"53 per cent of diners told us the scheme influenced their decision to return to the office, and we hope workers have enjoyed the benefits of in-person collaboration and continue to spend time in the city."
Restaurants with highest number of claims by suburb
CBD
- Chin Chin
- Thai Town
- Tetsujin
Carlton
- Panda Hot Pot
- Universal
- D'Penyetz & D'Cendol
Docklands
- Gold Leaf Harbour View
- Chengdu Taste
- DohtonBuri
East Melbourne
- Rocella Est Italia
- Geppetto Trattoria
- Hemingways Wine Room
Kensington
- Hardimans Hotel
- Rick's Place
- T&T Kokonut
North Melbourne
- Yeonga Korean BBQ
- KL Bunga Raya
- Donwoori Korean Restaurant
South Yarra
- Bistro Gitan
- Botanical Hotel
- Bacash Restaurant
South Melbourne
- Southgate Hotel Management (group of restaurants at The Langham Hotel)
- Ten BBQ & Hotpot
- Ayam Chef
West Melbourne
- Hansang
- The Three Crowns Hotel
- Royal Standard Hotel
