ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball joined Visit Howard County and the Howard County Economic Development Authority to announce the launch of the Open Rewards App and the launch of 2025’s Summer Restaurant Weeks. Pictures from the event can be found on the County’s Flickr website.
Howard County’s small businesses are the heart of our economy and our community. With the launch of the innovative new Open Rewards program and our 2025 Summer Restaurant Weeks, we are making it easier than ever to shop and dine local. Every dollar spent at a family-owned shop, neighborhood restaurant, or Main Street boutique helps support our entrepreneurs, create jobs, and keep resources right here in Howard County. Together, these partnerships ensure that our small and local businesses continue to thrive.
The new Open Rewards App rewards consumers with 5% cash back on purchases at local businesses that are members of Visit Howard County, Old Ellicott City, and are registered with the Howard County Economic Development Authority. Rewards can be redeemed at any other businesses in the program. Shoppers simply download the Open Rewards app, link a credit or debit card, and start earning rewards automatically with every eligible purchase at a Local HoCo merchant. No punch cards, QR codes, or receipts required.
Participating businesses are clearly identified with the Local HoCo seal, signifying their participation in this rewarding initiative. Businesses do not need to sign up or pay any participation fees—if they’re listed on the app, they’re in. There are no forms to fill out or programs to manage.
The Open Rewards App is part of Visit Howard County’s Local HoCo marketing campaign to support local and small businesses throughout the county. Ball provided $200,000 in funding in his FY25 Operating Budget to help launch and support this innovative program. The Local HoCo website can be found at: https://www.visithowardcounty.com/shop-local-hoco/, which is dedicated to educating residents and visitors on the benefits of supporting local businesses. The website will also link to a directory of locally owned and operated businesses in Howard County.
“We are more excited than ever to deliver a rewards program built around our local economy,” said Amanda Hof, Executive Director of Visit Howard County. “The timing of Howard County Restaurant and Craft Beverage Weeks is perfect for launching Open Rewards, giving residents and visitors an immediate reason to explore and support our culinary scene. Even better—Open Rewards subscribers can continue earning rewards after Restaurant Weeks on purchases across the county, from retail and entertainment to attractions and even contributions to nonprofit organizations.”
All Howard County businesses are invited to participate in this campaign to showcase local goods and services and encourage consumers to shop, dine, eat, drink, play, stay, and give local. According to Visit Howard County, for every $100 spent at a local business, $68 remained in the local community, while only $43 of each $100 spent at a chain retailer stays in the community.
“The Open Rewards program is a smart way to strengthen Howard County’s small businesses and boost local spending”, said Jennifer Jones, CEO, Howard County Economic Development Authority. “Launching it during Restaurant and Craft Beverage Weeks is the perfect pairing—rewarding residents and visitors for supporting the places that make our community unique.”
For more information about the Open Rewards app, visit https://www.bludot.io/rewards.
Additionally, Ball announced the launch of Summer 2025 Howard County Restaurant & Craft Beverage Weeks. From August 11th through August 24th, more than three dozen restaurants will be offering special menus, exclusive dishes and special incentives in honor of Restaurant Weeks.
Participating restaurants include:
- 18th and 21st
- Albura Taqueria
- Alexandra’s American Fusion
- Anh-mazing Banh Mi
- BOLDER food/drink
- Cazbar
- Chick N’ Friends
- Chosun Hwaro
- Cured
- Dive Bar & Grille
- Eggspectation – Columbia
- Guigui’s Kreyol Flavors
- Hang Ari
- Honey Pig
- Honey Pig Hot Pot + Korean BBQ
- Hudson Coastal Raw Bar & Grille
- Hyeban Korean BBQ & Sushi
- Kelsey’s Restaurant & Spirits
- Konstantine’s Greek Taverna
- Let’s Roll
- Lib’s Grill Maple Lawn
- Lak Columbia at Merriweather Lakehouse Hotel
- Manor Hill Tavern
- Medium Rare
- Momo Hub
- Namaste Foodie
- Old Line Kitchen & Wine Bar
- Ranazul
- Royaltea
- Smashing Grapes
- Taco Joint
- The Blackwall Barn & Lodge
- The Collective: Offshore
- The Common Kitchen
- The Elkridge Furnace Inn and Garden House
- The Food Market Columbia
- The Turn House
- The White Oak Tavern
- The Woodstock Inn
- Tino’s Italian Bistro
- Trifecto Bar
- Victoria Gastro Pub
- Dae Jung Geum
- Gong Cha Bubble Tea
- Mickey’s Sojo House
For a full list of participating restaurants, visit https://www.visithowardcounty.com/howard-county-restaurant-weeks/.
Here’s what others are saying:
“Howard County Restaurant Weeks is the perfect time to enjoy cuisine you would never consider with your current rotation of favorite restaurants. Expand your palate with options from around the globe, like Middle Eastern, Indian, or Korean,” said Tricia Hudson, Co-Owner, Hudson Coastal Raw Bar & Grille, and president of the Visit Howard County board. “So not only are you going to experience new plates of delicious food, but you will also be supporting your communities and small businesses”.
“The Howard County Chamber is excited to celebrate Restaurant and Craft Beverage Weeks and the launch of the Open Rewards Program,” said Kristi Simon, President & CEO, Howard County Chamber. “These efforts strengthen the small businesses that are the heart of Howard County, which create jobs, fuel innovation, and contribute to our economy. For residents and visitors, Open Rewards makes it easier than ever to support these businesses by shopping local and being rewarded for it.”
“Open Rewards is a powerful tool for supporting our local restaurant community,” said Dewan Clayborn, President & CEO of the Central Maryland Chamber. “By giving diners real incentives to choose local, we’re strengthening small businesses and helping more dollars stay right here in our region. It’s a win for our economy and a great way to showcase the incredible dining experiences Howard County has to offer.”
“This is our tribe,” said Donna Wecker, Owner, Elkridge Furnace Inn and Visit Howard County board member. “If you can't work local, at least, play local. Learn local. Support local. Be local! Enjoy local and fix local where you can. We are your neighbors, your colleagues, your friends! Cheers Howard County!”
“At Anegada Delights Caribbean Cuisine and Circuit Grounds Café, we’re excited to be part of the Summer Restaurant Weeks kickoff and the launch of the Local HoCo Open Rewards program,” said Elizabeth Ndungu, Owner of Anegada Delights Caribbean Cuisine. “Catering continues to be a vibrant part of our business — we love bringing the rich, Caribbean-inspired flavors from our kitchens to corporate events, celebrations, and gatherings throughout the community.”