I've been trying to start food blogging as well the being the website guy, graphics guy, artist, and whatever else I can get my hands in, but wanted to answer a question that a lot of people have...
What the heck is up with this Columbus Foodies discount card?
So let's start from the beginning. Columbus Foodies was actually created back in 2016. We just thought it would be fun to start a foodies group on Facebook that was informative and positive. These two fundamentals have been core values over the years. Yes, some people hate that they can't be negative, but I'm sure there's other groups for that.
Over time, the group slowly grew, like most groups do. Then it happened. People started flocking to the group. Columbus Foodies inched closer to 100,000 members and we thought "hey, we should do more". But what would be next? We decided that maybe we should work with the restaurants also and try to bring both sides closer. But how could we do that?
Enter the discount card!
We started reaching out to restaurants, letting them create their own discount. I designed a card, yes the first one wasn't the greatest design or quality, but it was out there. But how would this work best for the card buyers? We decided to add a QR code linking it to our new website. People could go to the website, see the deals, and then just show the card and get the discount at their eatery of choice. And the best part is, as new restaurants, food trucks,etc, joined, the card holders would automatically be eligible for their discounts also. The craziest part today is that there are over 100 locations to choose from on the card and more on the way!
So let's answer a few questions about the card.
1) Is it legit?
Absolutely! We've worked hard to make this something for food lovers to try something new and different, or to visit an old favorite. And hey, who wouldn't want to save some money doing it!
2) Why should I buy the card?
If you're a food lover and like trying different places to eat, then why not save money doing it. The card pays for itself after 2 or 3 outings. There's no limit to how many times you can use the card also. If you could afford it, you could use the card to go out to eat every day of the year!
3) How do I get the card?
The easiest way to get the card would be to visit Columbusfoodies.com and purchase it online. Depending on the time of purchase, we mail out your order within a day and you will generally get your card in about 3 days. Other than that, if you see us at an event, you can purchase it in person.
4) How long is the card good for?
Currently, the card is good until December 31 at midnight.
5) Do I need to scan the QR code every time I want to use the card?
No, the QR code is simply a link to the deals page on the website. You can simply go to Columbusfoodies.com and view the Deals page. We decided to use the QR code so we could add eateries to the card without having to limit the amount that join. It's a simple win win for everyone.
6) I'm a restaurant owner and I'm interested in getting on the card. How do I join?
We not only deal with brick and mortar restaurants, we welcome food trucks, bakeries, sweet shops, and other eateries. You can contact us at info@columbusfoodies.com. We'd love to give you more information then.
7) I'm at a restaurant that is on the card, but they don't know about the card. What's the deal?
We have encountered this situation a few times in the past. Sometimes there is a miscommunication, or lack of communication between owners and employees. We currently have a few things that we are working on on our end to help communicate the discounts. Also, you can go on columbusfoodies.com and send us a feedback ticket. We will communicate the issue with the restaurant and try to get it corrected.
8) Is this a gift card?
No, this is a discount card. There is no money linked to the card.
Hopefully, this has given you a little more insight on Columbus Foodies and answered some questions that you may have about the discount card. It probably answered a lot of questions you didn't have also, but sometimes I get on a rant. Sorry about that. The card may not currently have everything for everyone, but it does have something for everybody.
In closing, being foodies ourselves, we want to do our little part in educating people in the central Ohio area and visitors coming to our fine city about the awesome food scene we have here.
So what are you waiting for?
IT'S TIME TO EAT!