Santa Cruz Launches "The Toast Route" for Festive Business Boost

The Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council is bringing a festive Christmas spirit to the shopping districts of Rambla and Salamanca with a new event called 'The Toast Route.' This initiative is organized through the city's Development Society, with help from the Centro-Ifara district and the Zona Centro business association.

Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez announced the route, explaining that over twenty local businesses in and around these areas are taking part. Running until December 14th, the event aims to boost local restaurants and encourage people to shop.

Bermúdez highlighted that the goal is for both locals and tourists to explore and enjoy the diverse food, drink, and entertainment options available in these shopping zones. He added that 'The Toast Route' is part of a larger 'Trade Transformation Plan for the Rambla and Salamanca Commercial Areas.' This plan, co-funded by the European Union's FEDER Canarias 2021-2027 Program, is designed to boost the economy, showcase local businesses, and offer a special tapa and drink deal for just four euros.

Carmen Pérez, CEO of the Development Society, noted that the initiative is already proving popular with both residents and visitors. Over a hundred people have already signed up on the event's web app and cast their first votes. She explained that this year's theme focuses on toasts and Christmas celebrations, featuring pairings with local wines, craft beers, and traditional festive drinks.

Pérez listed the participating businesses, which include: Alazan 1 Bar Cafetería, Aperitivo Crew, Auyama Café, Aquí Sí Cafetería, Bar Ayala, Brooklyn Tenerife, Cachitos Realfood, Cafetería Jamaica, Cafetería La Jefa, Cervecería Caruso, Don Café, Como En Casa Lila, El Plan B de Goya, El Rayo Maxi Arepas II, La Casita de Nazareno, Guaros Fusión Bar, Restaurante El Pulpete, Rambla 46, Simply Apericena Bulevar, Turkis Sweet, and Ángeles Cakes Obrador Pastelería. She also mentioned that a web app is available in both Spanish and English, showing the locations of each establishment and details about their special food and drink offers.

She explained that people can access the web app at www.santacruzescomercio.com/rutas-gastronomicas. Here, they can vote for their favorite offers and enter a draw to win one of three 100-euro gift vouchers, which can be spent at any participating venue. Additionally, the three best-rated tapas will receive prizes: social media marketing campaigns worth at least 500 euros for each business, along with recognition diplomas.

Pérez emphasized that the initiative aims to boost the food scene in the Rambla and Salamanca areas, support small businesses, and provide a unique experience for residents in a city rich with cultural and architectural history. She encouraged everyone to "discover the route, explore it at their own pace, and toast to the festive season with the tapas offered by the participating establishments."

The Toast Route is part of the 'Trade Transformation Plan for the Rambla and Salamanca Commercial Areas.' This plan is co-funded by the European Union's FEDER Canarias 2021-2027 Program, operating under the theme 'A way of making Europe' as part of the 'Smart Commercial Destination Canary Islands' initiative.