Get a free donut, or 20 percent off a meal at a Laguna Niguel restaurant for saying the “mayor sent you.”
That’s after the city began promoting two local businesses every month through its new program called “Mayor’s Mention.”
Mayor Sandy Rains launched the program last month to support the local businesses, she said, and to increase the city’s sales tax revenue.
“The whole idea behind this was to start getting our city more involved in having an active approach of communicating what businesses are in our city,” Rains told The Epoch Times, saying the “Mayor’s Mention” sends a message that “Laguna Niguel is a great place to do business.”
Each month, Rains will choose two different local brick-and-mortar mom-and-pop businesses to highlight. Such will be promoted by the city’s social media, be given publicity during city council meetings, and receive a “Mayor’s Mention” placard to hang on their front doors.
Rains said she patronizes each of these businesses prior to promoting them, and chooses them if they are locally owned.
This month’s featured businesses are Asian Kitchen, which is offering 20 percent off in February, and Sunny Side Up Doughnuts, a free donut—but only if customers refer to the “Mayor’s Mention.”
Rains said she chose the donut shop, in particular, because of their philanthropy, as they sponsor local high school sports teams, as well as Little League baseball, and youth soccer clubs. They also donate unsold donuts to local churches and hospitals.
Co-owner of the shop Jorge Delgado told The Epoch Times a few people have come in for the free donut and will continue the giveaway indefinitely.
“If people come in and mention the mayor, I’ll be happy to give them a donut, “ he said.
Last month’s picks were the nonprofit Family Assistance Ministries Resale Boutique and Okto Café and Marketplace.
An employee from Okto told The Epoch Times they have had new customers because of the mayor’s mention.
“Word gets around a little bit more now,” she said.
Those who would like to nominate a business for the “Mayor’s Mention” can email the mayor at [email protected].
