Cherry Picks Participation Information

Cherry Picks Restaurant Program Participation Information

With the National Cherry Blossom Festival less than two months away, we would like to remind you to submit your participation forms for the 9th annual Cherry Picks Restaurant Program no later than February 11.  As in past years, participating restaurants are asked to offer cherry-flavored, cherry-infused or blossom-inspired entrées, appetizers, desserts or cocktails throughout Festival from March 26 - April 10, 2011.
 
The sign-up form may be accessed here .

If you have already submitted your form, please note the additional program requirements below. Addendum materials will be forthcoming from the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

NEW THIS YEAR!!!
The Festival is excited to announce Capital One Bank as a presenting sponsor of the Cherry Picks Restaurant Program.  Through their support, Cherry Picks restaurants will benefit from added exposure in 250 branches throughout the DC Metro, Northern Virginia and Maryland area.  In addition, Capital One Bank is featuring a promotion that rewards customers and restaurants for using Capital One bank debit or credit cards at no additional cost to the restaurant! 

Capital One Bank Cherry Picks Rewards Program
•  Restaurants will provide one (1) complimentary specialty coffee or one (1) complimentary dessert for each customer who uses their Capital One bank debit or credit card throughout the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
•  In order to receive the complimentary item, purchase of one (1) entrée per cardholder is required.  Limit one complimentary item per cardholder. 
•  Restaurants will be reimbursed a flat fee of $10 for each complimentary item served (see terms of reimbursement). 
•  Staff is encouraged to promote using Capital One Bank cards for purchase.

Capital One Bank Cherry Picks Sweepstakes
•  Patrons paying with a Capital One bank debit or credit card will receive a sweeps entry form provided and collected by restaurant staff.  The grand prize is dinner for ten (10) by a top area chef.
•  Capital One Bank will provide dedicated sweeps entry box to restaurants by March 7, and collect completed entry forms by April 18.
• The restaurant submitting the most sweeps entry forms will win a private, fully-catered suite for thirty (30) to a Washington Capitals game at the Verizon Center!
•  Sweeps winner and winning restaurant will be notified by April 30.

Terms of Reimbursement
•  Restaurants are encouraged to track complimentary items via designated button at point of sale (POS) stations.
•  A flat fee of $10 will be applied for each complimentary item offered to cardholders.
•  To apply for reimbursements, restaurants will submit a printed log to the Festival for reimbursement by April 18.
•  Reimbursements will be issued to restaurants by the Festival within 30 days.

Cherry Picks Restaurant Program Requirements
•  Feature window decal, table tents and check inserts promoting the Cherry Picks Rewards & Sweeps promotion.  Collateral to be provided by the Festival by March 15.
•  Provide the Festival with two (2) $50 gift certificates for fundraising, promotional or publicity purposes.  Gift certificates to be received by March 15 and may be sent electronically.
 
Additional Opportunities
•  Media Events & Press Opportunities
The Cherry Picks Program generates press coverage for participating restaurants each year. A limited number of restaurants may participate in the Cherry Picks media press conference on March 15.  Please indicate your interest in this opportunity on the attached form. 
•  Branch Tastings
In an effort to further promote the Cherry Picks Rewards and Sweeps promotion, Capital One Bank will host two hour, in-branch tastings during the Festival (weekdays only).  Restaurants participating in this program will be reimbursed $1,000 for food and staffing expenses.  Participation is optional and limited.  Please indicate your interest in this opportunity on the attached form. 

If you have any questions, please contact Danielle Piacente via email at danielle@downtowndc.org .