TOWNSEND, Tenn. (WVLT) - On the quiet side of the Smokies, one restaurant looked for bustling business.

The goal for Devon Leonard is to attract repeat customers. He’s the co-owner of Good Vibes on the River Restaurant and Bakery in Townsend.

Right as the pandemic started, so was his and his mom’s business. A year in, and he needed to get people to keep coming back. At first Leonard wanted to try a menu with discounts for locals. But that idea faced backlash on social media.

People commented on his Facebook post in a private Townsend group, commenting “Sounds like you’re overcharging tourists for their meals” and “Though you’re trying to be kind to your neighbors folks should value your business to pay your prices.”

Leonard settled on giving people a punch card to get 10 percent off each meal. People have to buy it for a dollar then it’s good for a lifetime. Anyone can use it after their first time dining at the restaurant.

“There was a lot of concern that this was going to impact servers’ tips. Most of our regular customers, when they do receive a discount they’ll make that up in the form of a tip,” said Leonard.

He wanted to help local workers and customers, and tourists.

Leonard explained, “It feels great as far as helping the community and helping locals and people that help us. We’re just trying to give back to them as far as offering a discount.”

Townsend resident Richard Wallace has visited Good Vibes a couple times and planned to jump in on the discount.

“Shoot yeah,” said Wallace, “It helps everybody. I think it’s a great benefit.”

A spokesperson with Blount Partnership tole WVLT News tourism is the second biggest industry in Blount County.

“I think it’s a great way to keep people coming back to your business and also keep them coming to the Smokies,” said Jeff Muir with the Blount Partnership.

“So locally we’re just trying to help the community out as much as they help us out,” said Leonard.

Leonard planned to get the punch cards next week. But if customers go before they get them in stock they will take your name down so you can get one.