Businesses are hoping to see in a boost in traffic during Stamford Restaurant Weeks, with 32 different places offering pre-fixed menus and deals though March 1.

The annual event is organized by Stamford Downtown, which says the time right after Valentine's Day is historically the toughest of the year for the food service industry.

"It's easy just to stay inside and snuggle up on the couch and, we want to give them an incentive to come outside, and this is that kind of incentive that has been very successful in the past," explained Michael Moore, the president of Stamford Downtown.

Two of the participating restaurants - Tutti Pazzi and Fish - say they are especially could really use the extra business, since the city is currently building a 9,500-square-foot plaza directly in front of them.

"I've been at this restaurant for 10 years plus, and this is probably the slowest I've ever seen it," said Valentina Parker, the general manager of both Tutti Pazzi and Fish. "We're trying anything to get by."

The two restaurants have the same ownership, and have been navigating the construction since it started in October.

"People aren't inclined to come out because it's hard to park, it's hard to get here, I mean it doesn't look the prettiest either," Parker explained.

But Parker does say both restaurants do usually get busier during Restaurant Weeks, so the hope is the deals and food will be enough for customers to overcome the inconveniences of all the work.

"This initiative is well-timed to help offset that, and bring some much-needed visibility." Moore said.

"We are definitely banking on it," added Parker. "We definitely want a lot of people to come, we need it bad."

Parker says she does think the construction will eventually be worth it. The new plaza is scheduled to be done by the summer, and will include an outdoor seating area that both restaurants will be able to use.

"The hope is that we make up for all the loss, but we're really just trying to get there," she said. "I think everyone is just kind of banking on surviving."