The Community Park, Johnson Park, Littlebrook and Riverside PTOs have created a new discount card program, called Princeton Perks, to help close their fundraising gaps and bolster shopping and dining around town. The Princeton Perks card costs $25 and gives cardholders special deals from more than 40 local restaurants and retailers through December 31, 2021. 

Anyone may purchase a Princeton Perks card by visiting www.princetonperks.com, and then selecting their neighborhood school’s sales portal. Discount cards will be available for purchase for a limited time only, now through February 28, 2021.  

Cardholders may also use the website to keep up-to-date on the growing list of participating restaurants and retailers -- (all local businesses are welcome to join!) -- and get the latest details on each business’s specific deal. (Most offer cardholders 10% off, though some deals are restricted to certain days of the week or types of merchandise.) Cardholders can also look for the Princeton Perks logo displayed in shop windows or near the register of participating businesses.  

Princeton Perks is a partnership between the town’s four elementary school Parent Teacher Organizations (PTOs): Community Park, Johnson Park, Littlebrook, and Riverside. The PTOs hope the program is a “win-win-win” during this difficult time: Businesses would see a boost in customers, shoppers get a special deal when they spend their dollars locally, and the PTOs raise much-needed funds to support students and teachers. 

Like many other nonprofits, the PTOs have been unable to hold their usual in-person fundraisers this year. “We saw that our beloved local businesses were struggling, too,” says Amalie Leano, a Community Park school parent and long-time Princetonian, who was inspired to create the discount card. “We wanted to mobilize an ‘army’ of public school families to shop and eat at local businesses again and again this year.” 

A team of volunteers from the four schools collaborated over email and Zoom to roll out the card in just six weeks. 

Each PTO group will determine how best to utilize funds raised. Proceeds from the sale of the Princeton Perks card will go toward programs that provide extra school support for the many families that need assistance during this time, to bolster funds for reimbursing teachers for out-of-pocket expenses and to make sure students are able to enjoy some of the special arts and culture programming that are a staple during non-pandemic times. 

“We pride ourselves on being a strong community, taking care of each other. This is a cornerstone of who we are,” noted Sonja Ernst and Kati Dunn, Littlebrook PTO Co-Presidents. “Princeton Perks initiative is an excellent example of how we keep standing together, beyond individuals, beyond individual schools, and beyond single businesses. We are one town working together.” 

Below is a list of participating businesses, frequently asked questions, and the names of the volunteer team who made this program happen. 

 

Participating Businesses 

The Bent Spoon 

The Blue Bears 

Chopt 

Creative Cakes by Sweta 

Custom Ink 

Eno Terra Restaurant & Enoteca 

jaZams 

Jules Thin Crust 

Kopp's Cycle 

La Jolie Salon & Spa 

Local Greek 

Local Q 

Mandalay Trading Company 

Mediterra 

Milk & Cookies 

Miya Home and Table 

More than Q 

Oink and Moo 

Olsson's Fine Foods 

Orvana 

Osteria Procaccini 

Mediterra Restaurant & Taverna 

PJ's Pancake House 

Planted Plate 

Princeton Art Museum Store 

Princeton Canoe & Kayak Rental 

Princeton Floral Design 

Princeton Playspace 

Princeton Record Exchange 

Princeton Soup & Sandwich Co. 

Pure Barre 

Room 16 Theatre Arts 

Rita's Italian Ice 

Small Bites by Local Greek 

Tacoria 

Teresa Caffe 

Terra Momo Bread Co. 

Thomas Sweet 

Tico's Eatery & Juice Bar 

Tidy Nerd 

Toobydoo 

Tranquility Den Massage 

Trattoria Procaccini 

Vaseful Flowers & Gifts 

ZOË 

 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is Princeton Perks? 

It’s a new discount card fundraiser led by the Parent Teacher Organizations (PTOs) of Princeton’s four public elementary schools: Community Park, Johnson Park, Littlebrook and Riverside. 

 

How does it work? 

Discount cards are available for purchase for $25. The cards give you a 10% discount at participating retailers and restaurants until 12/31/21. Some restrictions and limitations may apply.* 

 

Why did we create this? 

We faced big funding gaps this year since we weren’t able to hold in-person events. At the same time, we saw businesses struggling and wanted to motivate people to shop local. 

 

Who benefits? 

Students and teachers benefit from the sale of the discount cards. Businesses are benefitted by motivated cardholders who are mobilized to support local businesses throughout the year. 

 

Do I get 10% off at every participating business?  

Most businesses offer 10% but some have restrictions on certain days of the week or on specific items. Visit the Deals + Details page at princetonperks.com for the latest updates. 

 

Which businesses are participating?  

Many are listed on the back of the Princeton Perks cards, but the complete list is only available at princetonperks.com. You can also look for the Princeton Perks logo in storefront windows or near the register. 

 

Who can buy a Princeton Perks card?  
Anyone can buy a card! They make great gifts, too! 

 

What if I forget my card?
Unfortunately, discounts cannot be honored without your card. 

 

Can my friend borrow my card? 

No. Please do not share cards with those outside your household. It’s unfair to the businesses that have agreed to offer discounts and to the elementary schools selling them. Some businesses may ask to see identification and check the name on the back of the card before honoring the discount. 

 

I do most of my shopping online because of COVID-19. Will there be a way to use the card with contactless pick up or delivery?  

That depends on the business. Please contact them directly. 

 

What if I lose my card?  

Replacement cards will be available for purchase by emailing princetonperks@gmail.com. 

 

Can more businesses join Princeton Perks?  

Yes, any local business is welcome to participate. The program is free for local merchants. For more information, please contact princetonperks@gmail.com. 

 

Can participating businesses change their discount offer? Occasionally a business may have to alter their discount. All changes will be updated at princetonperks.com. 

 

What else can I do to help local businesses? Besides buying local as much as possible, you can write positive reviews. It’s easy, free, and can make a difference!