Ways to Support Local Restaurants During COVID-19

Even in the best of times, restaurants are tough businesses to operate — and now more than ever, your favorite restaurants are being faced with even more hardships as a result of COVID-19. A lack of consumer demand, no in-dining experiences, and a work-from-home workforce that has reduced the lunch hour crowds have caused restaurants to get creative with their take-out offerings.
Fortunately, there are still ways in which you can help support your local restaurants!
What happens when you shop and support local businesses?
More money will be kept in your local economy.
You create local jobs.
You help the environment.
You create more choices and promote cultural diversity through food.
You have a say in products and services.
You support creativity and growth.
Here’s a few ideas how you can support local restaurants during COVID-19:

Purchase restaurant gift cards
Looking for ways to support local business without leaving your home? Shopping for someone else but not sure what to give them? Buy a gift card! Support your local bars and restaurants by purchasing gift cards for yourself, family, and friends. You can give your local restaurant some confidence by spending even $20 on a gift card to treat yourself later.

Use delivery services that specialize in local restaurant catering
Did you know that on average 18% of a restaurant’s revenue comes from catering? By ordering meals for your team, you maintain employee morale, while staying safe and giving back to the community. For every $100 you spend at locally owned businesses, $68 will stay in the community, so give your team exposure to all the amazing local restaurants around you.

Donate to a cause
Some restaurants are turning to GoFundMe pages to stay open. They are also working with various organizations to help support the community through this difficult time. Even a few dollars could help someone get dinner on the table, so check out your favorite restaurant and see what you can give. A little goes a long way.

Tip Generously
Whether you order delivery or pick-up, don’t forget to tip generously. Remember restaurant staff have to work harder now than before to provide you with great quality food.

Write positive reviews and engage with restaurants on social media
And lastly, spread kindness and optimism. It’s needed more than ever now. Write positive reviews, even if your food was catered or delivered. Restaurant reviews are critical nowadays. When choosing a spot to take family, friends, partners, or clients, many people rely on reviews — so help get the word out and give your local restaurants some virtual love and appreciation!