FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Reggie Rossignol
rrossignol@ches.bank
804-695-8222
November 12, 2025
Williamsburg, VA
Boosting Greater Williamsburg and the Historic Triangle - One Restaurant at a Time with 50% off Gift Certificates from WARA.
Since 2021, Chesapeake Bank and its partners have infused more than $300,000 into the Historic Triangle’s economy, which includes Yorktown, James City County, and Williamsburg. This year, partners are focusing entirely on local restaurants by offering discounted Williamsburg Area Restaurant Association (WARA) gift certificates to maximize community impact.
In previous years, the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce, Yes, Williamsburg Economic Development Authority, James City County Office of Economic Development Authority, York County Economic Development Authority, Williamsburg Area Restaurant Association (WARA), and media partners, 92.3FM The Tide, 107.9FM Cannon Country, and WY Daily came together selling VISA and WARA certificates for 50% off, encouraging consumers to spend in the community.
The 2025 transition to WARA-only certificates (no VISAs) guarantees dollars are hitting that target. Consumers are still able to buy $50 certificates for $25 (limit two per person), with the discount made possible by contributions from the program’s partners.
"The Boost program is all about strengthening our local businesses,” says Rachel Sears, Executive Director, Williamsburg Area Restaurant Association. “This is such a great way to engage with the community and give back. We’re incredibly grateful for the support from our partners to help make this possible."
"The success of the 'Boost' program over the years demonstrates what can be achieved when our community comes together,” says Terry Banez, CEO, Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce. “We are grateful for this opportunity to provide crucial support of our restaurants and inject vital dollars directly into the business community, fulfilling our mission to advocate, collaborate, and create an environment in which business can grow and succeed. I want to personally thank all the organizations we are continuously working with to make this possible: Chesapeake Bank, Williamsburg Economic Development Authority, James City County Office of Economic Development Authority, York County Economic Development Authority, the Williamsburg Area Restaurant Association (WARA), and our media partners — 92.3FM The Tide, 107.9FM Cannon Country, and WY Daily. This partnership is key to boosting Greater Williamsburg."
Additionally, this year, 30Off Local will be on the scene with QR Codes to their gift card site which offers 30% off to a variety of participating local businesses expanding the reach of their ongoing effort—similar to the Boost theme.
Upcoming events:
- 11/25 – Merchants Square @ 11:00am (in front of Kimball Theatre)
- 12/10 – Shorty’s Diner at their new Yorktown location (6500 George Washington Memorial Hwy.) @ 11:00am
- 1/21 - New Town Fountain at 2:00pm (Leading up to Restaurant week - 1st week of Feb.)
“We are always looking for new ways to support our businesses and communities,” says Reggie Rossignol, Assistant Vice President and Community Manager, Chesapeake Bank. “It’s even more meaningful to be to create this experience with strong partners. –It’s not just collaboration; it’s community in action.”
Those attending are to be prepared that events are rain or shine. Folks start lining up four hours early and certificates sell out quickly. Purchases are made with card only. Limit two gift cards per person. While supplies last.
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Chesapeake Bank, founded in 1900, is a subsidiary of Chesapeake Financials Shares (CFS: CPKF), headquartered in the Northern Neck, also serving Middle Peninsula, Williamsburg, Richmond, Chesterfield, Midlothian, and the Peninsula. Named by American Banker as one of the Top 200 Community Banks and a Best Bank to Work For, employing 291. Visit: www.ches.bank