Our local restaurants are in trouble. Many have been ordered to close their doors in order to stop the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19), leaving their financial futures in a precarious position. Unable to dine in, there are still ways you can financially support restaurants and the workers they employ during this difficult period.
As restaurants and eateries are the backbone of our company, below we’ve highlighted five different ways you can help support restaurants financially during this time.
5 Ways to Support Local Restaurants During the COVID-19 Outbreak
Wondering how you can support your local restaurants and eateries during the Coronavirus Outbreak? Here are five ways to help restaurants survive this difficult financial period!
Order Takeout & Delivery
While restaurants across the country have chosen or been told to close their doors to diners to enforce social distancing and stop the spread of the Coronavirus, many have transitioned to takeout and delivery only establishments. According to the CDC, FDA, and USDA, there are no reports suggesting COVID-19 can be transmitted by food or food packaging (
Buy Gift Cards
While offering take out and delivery has worked for some restaurants, others have temporarily closed due to financial reasons, citing takeout is not a sustainable option for their business. For these businesses that you can’t order from, purchasing gift cards for future meals for yourself or a loved one is another option to support them. Check your local restaurants’ websites and social media profiles to see where and how you can purchase gift cards and gift certificates from them.
Donate to a Relief Fund
With the food and beverage industry turned on its head, many national and localized nonprofit organizations have stepped up to launch funds to collect money for restaurants and workers in cities and regions across the United States. Check out this comprehensive list from Eater.com on organizations you can donate to help out!
Purchase Merchandise & Food Items
Many restaurants are supplementing their takeout orders or gift card purchases with selling merchandise like t-shirts, hats, and bags and packaged food (bottled sauces, spice mixes, etc.). In addition, some restaurants have opted to start selling their fresh produce, meat, and pantry items they are not able to use. With many grocery stores out of stock of popular items, this is your chance to get sought after items like ground meat, chicken breast, and pasta you can’t in stores all while helping your local eateries. Stocking your pantry or your closet at a time like this can really help them out!
Like, Share, Repost
Social proof goes a long way, especially now that more people are home and on social media. With recent developments of Google and Yelp suspending the ability to write new reviews during the outbreak, one way you can help spread the word is through interacting with your local restaurants’ social media posts. Like, share, comment, tag a friend, and repost social media posts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and other platforms to let your friends, family, and business connections know local restaurants are open, offering takeout, or accepting donations.
Do Your Duty & Help Your Community!
Restaurants, bars, cafes, breweries, eateries, and more make up the fabric of our local communities. In order to ensure these establishments stay open after the Coronavirus epidemic, it’s vital we do our part and lend a hand!
What other ways are you helping the restaurant industry during this time? Comment below and let us know!