Treasure Seekers program offers ongoing, flexible discounts

By Margie M. Palmer | SDUN Reporter

Members of the Mission Hills Business Improvement District (BID) are inviting anyone who lives, works or plays in Mission Hills to further explore the area’s treasures. As an enticement, they have officially launched a Treasure Seekers business promotion program.

As part of the ongoing promotion people are invited to pick up free “treasure seeker” wallet cards and key fobs at the Wednesday Farmers Market on Falcon Street. Additionally, if you have a smart phone and are able to snap and save a photo of the treasure seeker logo, that will work as well. You can then present the card at participating businesses in order to redeem your treasures.

Mission Hills BID Executive Director Gerri Trussel said the cards will enable users to receive discounts and upgrades throughout the areas of West Washington Street, West Lewis Street, Raynard Way and India Street North. Others can be found in the areas bounded by Ft. Stockton, Washington Street and University Avenue from Front Street.

Examples of discounts include eligibility for a free first visit at the VCA Animal Hospital or up to 15 percent off general auto repairs at ATS Transmissions and Auto Repair. Other businesses will allow seekers to get a large coffee for the price of a medium, discounted shipping or “buy one get one” offers.

“Local business owners can suit the reward to their individual business,” Trussel said, “and because the program will be ongoing they can change their promotions at any time. They might start off by offering a discount percentage on a purchase and in the future, can switch to offer an upgrade. It is completely flexible.”

Seekers will also be eligible to receive a dollar off on their purchase of Taste of Mission Hills tickets once they go on sale next week. The Taste of Mission Hills, which will officially launch International Restaurant Row, will be Oct. 16.

Participating Treasure Seekers businesses, such as the Red Door Restaurant and Wine Bar and The Wellington Steak and Martini Lounge will be able to identify themselves by posting stickers in their windows.

Trish Watlington, owner of the Red Door and the Wellington, said she decided to join the program because she saw it as a great way to foster neighborhood spirit and connectivity.

“I hope that it will encourage Uptown residents to shop and eat locally in Mission Hills,” she said. “We have adorable shops, neighborly services, a true local Farmers Market and great restaurants where everybody really does know your name.”

Wellington said she feels Mission Hills is among San Diego’s most underrated and least-known neighborhoods for shops and restaurants, and is hopeful the Treasure Seekers program will help change that.

“Most folks think of us for our gardens and historic homes, which are undoubtedly beautiful,” she said, “but not the entirety of what we have to offer.”