Friday marked the start of Arizona Restaurant Week, a 10-day event where eateries across the state encourage patrons to try new places and menu items.

Arizona Restaurant Association President Steve Chucri says the long-running event has helped grow local businesses.

“We’re almost hitting 20 years of having Arizona Restaurant Week, and we’re so proud of that. The restaurants keep, really just, growing and expanding, not only in number of locations, but also in their culinary offerings,” said Chucri.

Chucri says the event is also a quick financial boost for restaurants.

“It’s that shot in the arm of business, as we go into our quieter season of the year, into our summer months,” said Chucri.

Arizona Restaurant Week runs through May 29 and currently lists 126 participating restaurants.