Westminster is launching its first-ever Westy Restaurant Week from April 17 to 26, featuring special menus from nearly 40 local restaurants.The event aims to highlight the citys diverse food scene and support small businesses. D iners can download a digital passport online to see participating restaurants and accrue rewards. Watch the full story in the video player below. Westminster launches its first-ever restaurant week to support local businessesMayor Claire Carmelia, who has been in office for only four months, said the event supports the families that run these businesses.They are the backbone of the city, Carmelia said. Of course, it is often families that run those businesses. So, its up to us to help ensure that we support them. Tonia Scalzotto, co-owner of Scalzotto Italian Restaurant, is offering a special menu, including a four-course meal for two people for $55.Its a great deal for people to get out and experience restaurants that they normally wouldnt go out and see, Scalzotto said. We have such a diverse group of restaurants here in the city, and I think it's going to be great for everybody.Scalzotto noted that the event helps independently owned restaurants that do not have large marketing budgets get their message out to more people.It really just helps us get the word out that were here, Scalzotto said. Its going to allow us to touch a lot more people.Lauren Joy, general manager of Tap Burger in Westminster, is offering a $35 deal that includes one appetizer, one entree and one dessert. Its different. Its not Denver, its not Boulder, Joy said. Were kind of an island out here, but that island is expanding, and its definitely a destination that you want to come to.Carmelia hopes the event draws in customers not just from Westminster, but from the surrounding area.I hope that they learn what a diverse food scene we have here, Carmelia said. We're really trying to reach out so that they know that you don't just drive through Westminster on the way to Denver. Stop here. We are a destination. We have great things to offer, and we're excited to have you here.This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy. ...read more read less