As the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge, also known as “The Big Mac Bridge”, reopens, many are still hesitant to use the bridge to cross between Ohio and Kentucky. To try and gain support and attraction in Fort Thomas, the element of special deals from local businesses became a benefit.
There will be many opportunities for the people on the other side of the bridge. They will be able to get and buy many things.
“Basically, participating businesses are offering specials and promotions this week and next to support and promote the local businesses of Fort Thomas,” Barbara Thomas, the owner of Grass Roots and Vine, a local business in Fort Thomas, said.
Many are going to be walking through the beautiful city of Fort Thomas. Many hopefully stop at the many great local businesses there. One is Fort Thomas Coffee.
“The reopening of the bridge will significantly increase the sales of our shop. We have been getting many more customers since the shop opened and it has been pretty busy most of the time. I would say that the bridge reopening has positively impacted the sales at our shop,” Kaelan Smalley, son of business owner Fort Thomas Coffee, Christine Smalley said.
With the ‘Bridging Back Business’ deals, there are many exclusive offers members of the community can obtain by coming to these local businesses.
“[The city of] Fort Thomas will be participating Monday, March 3 through Saturday, March 8. Businesses have the opportunity to be added to a passport that will be turned in at the end of the week for a grand prize for customers who shop and eat at our local establishments. … and all river cities will be participating March 10-15, passports are specific to Fort Thomas businesses only,” Sam Shelton, a representative of the City of Fort Thomas said.
To try and encourage support and participation from community members, there are also themes each day. They are as follows:
Monday and Wednesday- Retail Therapy: Promotions and deals all day long and kick off Bridging Back Business Week in the Fort.
Tuesday and Thursday- Dine Out on the Town: $10 breakfast, lunch, or dinner special determined by participating business.
Friday and Saturday- Cocktails, Mocktails, and Local Retail: Partner up and highlight another local business in the Fort and encourage shoppers to check them out over the weekend. Cultural Arts and Midway are DORA districts to encourage them to grab a drink and walk around to participating businesses.
There will also be ways to get local businesses’ awareness through social media platforms.
“Everyday is an opportunity to be seen on socials to help drive business to the Fort,” Shelton said.
Many people used the bridge on a daily basis to go back and forth between Ohio and Kentucky until a fire broke out on November 1, and destroyed the south bound section of the busy highway.
“Northern Kentucky’s river cities are collaborating on “Bridging Back Business,” an effort to bring customers and prosperity back to the businesses affected by the unexpected closing of the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge late last year,” Shelton said.
