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Matt Kealy, the owner of drafthouse at 101 E. Milwaukee St., has participated in Restaurant Week every year, each time benefitting his restaurant.

“It brings people in from outside of Janesville,” he said. “It also gives our kitchen staff a chance to flex their culinary skills and try new things.”

He said the event has drawn customers from as far away as Delavan and other small communities across the region.

Menus will be announced the first week of January. Updated information will be posted on the Downtown Janesville Inc. Facebook event page and at .

“Downtown Restaurant Week is a wonderful way for both locals and visitors to experience the diverse cuisine offerings in our downtown area,” said Elaina Szyjewski, managing director of Downtown Janesville Inc. “Whether you’re a food enthusiast or looking to try somewhere new, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”

Kealy said the event supports local restaurants during a slow midwinter month.

Cassidy Sahy, general manager at the Franklin Street Tavern on 13 N. Franklin St. said Restaurant Week draws in new faces.

“It brings people from smaller communities to downtown (who) not only come to our restaurant but check out other places,” she said. It’s also a chance “to take the guesswork out of dinner for a night,” she said.