Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell met with dozens of local restaurant owners via Zoom on Nov. 20 to listen to their concerns about Gov. Jay Inslee’s recent restrictions on dine-in options.

“Our restaurants play such an important role in the vibrancy and overall economic health of our community, and we need to make sure we are doing everything we possibly can to keep them open during this difficult time,” Mayor Ferrell said. “Today was a good chance for us to listen to what they are going through and how we can best continue our support.”

On Nov. 17, Ferrell announced another round of CARES Act funds aimed directly at supporting dine-in, brick-and-mortar restaurants in Federal Way. Two days later, the mayor signed 76 applications for $5,000 CARES Act grants to be disbursed to restaurants.

Ferrell also announced at Friday’s meeting the debut of Shop Local, Eat Local, a campaign in partnership with the Greater Federal Way Chamber which encourages community members to shop and eat at Federal Way restaurants and small businesses. Learn more at www.shoplocalfedway.com.

The campaign currently features its own webpage, www.shoplocalfedway.com, which also links to its own social media sites.

“I want to thank our restaurant owners for providing us with some valuable feedback on our Shop Local, Eat Local program today,” Ferrell said.