Greater Des Moines’ fourth annual Restaurant Week brought in an estimated $277,000 this year – an increase of $152,000 over last year’s Restaurant Week economic impact.

Of the 36 participating restaurants, submitted dinner receipts averaged $50 per person, including beverages purchased with each $25 Restaurant Week meal. Many receipts show diners purchased fine wine to complement their meal.

The increase in economic impact over previous years was, in part, thanks to two new participating restaurants – Flemings and 801 Chophouse. Flemings served more than 1,000 Restaurant Week dinners; 801 Chophouse served more than 1,400 dinners within one week.

A conservative estimate of 19,000 diners participated in the 2011 Restaurant Week.

This year’s Restaurant Week winners are Denise and Keith Erhard of West Des Moines. They’ll receive a trip for two to Sonoma County, including two roundtrip airline tickets, a three-night hotel stay, tasting passes to local wineries and gift certificates for two Sonoma County restaurants.

Restaurant Week is organized by Des Moines Business Record, dsm Magazine and the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau. Public comments and feedback on Restaurant Week may be sent to marketing@desmoinescvb.com.