PARKVILLE, Md. (WJZ) — A record number of Baltimore County restaurants are cooking up some delicious deals as Restaurant Week kicks off Friday.

As Christie Ileto explains, food lovers aren’t the only ones cashing in!

Baltimore County eateries have set the table for Restaurant Week.

For the next 17 days, the promotion will allow foodies to savor food at 44 local restaurants like Pappas in Parkville at discounted deals.

In return, those businesses get a big boost.

“It’s the chance to attract some newer patrons to our restaurant who might not normally come our way,” said general manager Justin Windle.

Baltimore County’s restaurants generated $1.2 billion in revenue in 2011, right behind Montgomery County’s $1.4 billion. Last year they jumped to $1.3 billion, ranking second highest in the state again.

Signs that show the restaurant industry is bouncing back from the recession but county leaders said January is usually slow.

“This is definitely a way to prime the pump for restaurants to make sure that economically they stay strong during that January time period,” said Keith Scott, president and general manager of the Baltimore County Chamber of Commerce.

This year’s Restaurant Week has more restaurants participating. It lasts more than two weeks long, something county leaders said will help generate an even greater boost in revenue for businesses.

“It’s longer to give more of an opportunity for families and businesses to take advantage of
the food and diversity we have,” said Scott.

The eateries have become an economic engine for tourism and employment, with county restaurants putting to work almost 25,000 people.

As of the next 17 days, foodies have their choice of cuisine and business get to expand their bottom lines.

Restaurant Week ends January 27.

Restaurants are the the 2nd largest private employer in the country. Click here to see participating restaurants, rates and menus.