The majority of downtown Niles businesses will offer a special deal or event during the city’s inaugural Third Thursdays event on the evening of May 19.

Promotions range from $5 off a 16-inch or larger pizza at Massimo’s to the taps at The Brass Eye lounge being taken over by Frankenmuth Brewery.

The Niles-based Paddletek company will even host a pickleball tournament on Second Street.

A total of 25 businesses are participating and more than 400 people have joined the Third Thursdays public group on Facebook.

Olfactory Hue Bistro owner Daysha Amster, who spearheaded the Third Thursdays effort, said it is shaping up to be a special night.

“I really had no idea how many businesses we would have, but I was hoping for a good turnout,” she said. “This is way more than I expected. A lot of businesses have some really good ideas. It is fun to see what everyone is coming up with.”

Third Thursdays will take place starting at 5 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month beginning May 19. Participating businesses will choose what they want to offer and how late they will stay open.

The event is inspired by the successful First Fridays promotion in downtown South Bend.

Amster said the goal is to bring more people to downtown Niles and to create unity among the downtown merchants.

“I think this is a great way for us to get to know the community better and showcase what we are doing and what we have to offer,” she said.

To encourage people to visit different locations, customers will receive a “Bingo” board with squares containing a logo of each participating business. People can have a square stamped by spending money at each corresponding business. Upon filling out a row (five businesses), people can submit the card into a drawing to win $100 of Niles Main Street/DDA dollars, which can be spent at downtown businesses.

Bingo cards can be dropped of at Olfactory Hue Bistro or at the Niles Main Street/DDA office.

 

Niles Third Thursdays

Business directory for May 19

(For more information about each event visit Niles Third Thursdays group page on Facebook)

The Brass Eye — Tap takeover with Frankenmuth Brewery

Pizza Transit — Pizza of the Day

Olfactory Hue Bistro — “Street food” theme specials grilling on street if weather is nice. Otherwise the bistro will be open. BYOB

Bella’s Gifts — Free scarf with $20 purchase

Forever Clean Soap Works — Wine tasting

Veni’s Sweet Shop — Free chocolate covered Oreo or pretzel with $10 purchase

Jim’s Smokin’ Cafe — BBQ meat fest for $20

Luminous — 10 percent off travel Amika products

Flo N Gro — Not available

Edward Jones — Open house with refreshments from 5 to 7 p.m. celebrating Save for Education Day

Massimo’s — $5 off a 16-inch pizza or larger. Live band, Chippewa Project

Lori Diane Photography — Offering $150 gift certificates for $100 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Inertia Cycling — Spring tune-up with evening hours

Rumor Records — Spin art for children/families. $1 per album with records and paint provided.

Jazzercise — Free classes and free girls night out

Backyards — Soup and dip tasting

The Paris Soda Shop — Not available

Studio 224 — 40 percent off any styling product

Sentiments — 10 percent off everything

Niles District Library — Open mic night. First prize is $175.

SLR Pilates — 10 percent off any full price package

The Music Academies — 15-minute violin, guitar, clarinet, saxophone, flute lessons for 25 cents for ages 4 and older

Paddletek — Pickleball Tournament on Second Street

3rd Street Pizza — Two pieces, one soda for $4