This program has ended for 2023. We will be offering a “Shop Downtown” program later in the year. 

To receive the $25 Downtown Athens Gift Card, you must provide itemized receipts totaling $100, not including tax, tips or gift card purchases, from downtown restaurants or bars. This program will run from March 1 – April 30, 2023 or until funds are depleted. If this program is successful, we will run another program to promote our downtown retail businesses this fall.

There is space for you to submit up to 4 receipts from restaurants or bars. If you have more than 4 receipts to submit to meet the $100 requirement, please email david@downtownathensga.com for more instructions on how to submit your request.

[ Click to submit your receipts ]  [ Business Signup for gift card program ]

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I eligible for more than one $25 Gift Card?
Yes, if you make several submissions with different receipts totaling $100 more each, you will receive a $25 Gift card for each of your submissions as long as funds are available, and you did not use the same receipt more than once.

Can multiple people use the same receipt for separate submissions?
No, once a receipt is used on one submission, it is no longer valid to be used for a different submission. If we notice that multiple people submit receipts for the same restaurant, same amount and same date, we will compare the receipts to ensure they are not an identical time stamp and items. Please do not try to cheat.

Can I share a receipt with someone else if we split the cost of the meal?
No it isn’t really possible for us to spend the time to track receipts shared by multiple people. We recommend that one person claim the receipt and share the $25 gift card.

Can I submit receipts for a bar or restaurant outside of Downtown Athens? 
No this is a program funded by the Athens Downtown Development Authority. The receipt submission form will only allow you to submit receipts from among the bars and restaurants from downtown. If you notice a bar or restaurant from downtown is not in the approved list on the submission form, please email david@downtownathensga.com and we can research the issue.

What businesses accept the $25 Downtown Gift Card?
Not every business in Downtown Athens accepts the gift card. There is a list of businesses who accept the gift card here: https://app.yiftee.com/gift-card/athens–ga-athens/locations. If you own a downtown business and do not accept these gift cards but want to, please go to this page and scroll down to the section labeled “Become a Participating Business” and submit that form. We will get in touch with you very quickly.

What is an itemized receipt? 
It shows what you ordered, and what your total was before tax and tip. It is the same receipt you would use if you were requesting reimbursement for travel expenses through your employer.

Why do I need an itemized receipt?
Only funds spent on food or alcohol are eligible for this program. Taxes, tips or funds paid to purchase gift cards or gift certificates are not eligible expenses.

Is this a physical gift card?
No, the card is available electronically or if you choose you can print it on a piece of paper. You can show the card to the vendor on paper or your phone, and they key the number in manually in the CC terminal. You can only redeem this card at participating vendors. You can see the list here: https://app.yiftee.com/gift-card/athens–ga-athens/locations

Have questions? We’re here to help.