A Tasteful Way To Dine And Fundraise

By Nancy Vallarella

“The table is a place of communion for life’s large and small events,” Master Chef Art Smith.

No eating establishment depicts this sentiment more than Butera’s of Smithtown. Over the last 4 years, Smithtown residents have gathered here for celebratory meals, memorial repasts or to have a bite with friends and family. Sensitive to the needs of the community, Butera’s has always tailored their menus to provide quality and value.

The most innovative step Butera’s has taken in reaching out to the community is Give Back Day. This is an opportunity for organizations to raise money by promoting lunch or dinner at a Butera’s location on a designated day.  In return, they receive 10% of the sales generated through their promotional efforts. Sales are tracked with a certificate specific to the organization which is presented with the payment of the check.  “It is a practical and productive way to fundraise. People unite for a cause by sharing a good meal with friends”, comments Chef/Owner Nick Zografos.   Christine Fitzgerald, a founder of The Smithtown Children’s Foundation recently jumped at the opportunity stating, “I’m all in on a fundraising event that all I have to do is promote.”  Other groups that have seized this opportunity are the Guide Dog Foundation, The Center for Developmental Disabilities Parent’s Association, America’s Vet Dogs, The American Cancer Society, and The Diabetes Association.  Organizations wishing to participate in Butera’s Give Back Day can contact Manager Greg Arron at 631-979-9113.

Butera’s also shows their appreciation to returning guests with Butera’s Loyalty Rewards Program.  Every dollar spent is a point earned and recorded on a Butera’s Loyalty Rewards Card. Points are accumulated and are converted into Butera’s Gift Cards at various point levels and dollar amounts. Other benefits of this program include Double Point Days, Triple Points on your Birthday and the Ultimate reward earned -100 thousand unredeemed points earns meals at Butera’s for FREE for LIFE!

Raising families and running a business personally go hand in hand with Chef/Owners Martin and Laurie Butera (husband and wife), brother Gary Butera and Nick Zografos. They are keenly aware of today’s economic challenges and of time being a precious commodity in two income households. Nick Zografos notes, “Butera’s has always been a family restaurant. We try to make it possible for a family to experience quality food at reasonable prices.”  Pasta and sandwich lunch entrees are offered at $10 and kids eat for free off the kids menu with the purchase of an adult entrée. This is a huge incentive to bypass the fast food drive thru. Another family friendly menu choice is Butera’s New Family Style Dinner Options that feeds 2 or more people.

As the weather gets colder, the roads get slippery and cold and flu season approach, it is helpful to remember that Butera’s offers free local delivery on dinner orders. Off premise catering is also available.  LIKE Butera’s of Smithtown on Facebook for updates on specials and promotions. Menus can be viewed Facebook and on their website www.buteras.com.

****On Tuesday, December 6^th Butera’s will be hosting a Give Back Day for The Smithtown Children’s Foundation. Certificates to credit your sale can be found on the following Facebook pages: Butera’s of Smithtown, What’s Cookin? Smithtown and The Smithtown Children’s Foundation. While you are in Facebook, LIKE Butera’s of Smithtown and What’s Cookin? Smithtown for a chance to win a $50 gift certificate to Butera’s.