COVID-19 has shaken nearly every facet of our lives. The ways we work, eat, shop, and even celebrate birthday parties have changed drastically this year. While many industries have been impacted by the virus, the food and beverage industry has taken a heavier toll than most.
In many cities, restaurants are no longer allowed to serve dine-in customers. Others can operate at a limited capacity, but it’s unclear how long that may last as coronavirus cases continue rising.
While large chain brands may have the capital to weather the storm, Business Insider estimates that 85 percent of independent restaurants may go out of business by the end of the year. This could decimate the food industry as smaller restaurants are forced to close, leaving behind only the big chains. You might be losing your favorite street taco cart, the authentic Indian takeout place down the street, or the Thai place on the corner.
What can you do to support your local food and beverage industry and, hopefully, help those businesses survive the pandemic?
Tip Well If You Can
In most states, servers earn a much lower minimum wage. In fact, the federal minimum wage for tipped employees is just $2.13 an hour. That means tips make up most of servers', bartenders', and delivery drivers' income. Even restaurants that are currently open are operating with a much lower volume, which means tipped employees are making far less—while also incurring the risk of catching the virus. If possible, tip restaurant workers well.
Are you ordering delivery from your local restaurant during the pandemic? See how much you should consider tipping.
Order Takeout
Dining-in is still banned in some states and severely limited in others. However, takeout remains a reliable option. Consider ordering takeout a few times a week if your budget allows. According to the CDC, there is no evidence that takeout dining will increase your risk of catching the novel coronavirus. Find local takeout restaurants near you at menufy.com.
Try a new restaurant or check whether the famous restaurants in your town are offering takeout specials. For instance, Alinea, a three-star Michelin restaurant in Chicago known for its creative dishes, offers a special takeout tasting menu that is far cheaper than its sit-down tasting menu.
Share on Social Media
If your budget doesn't allow you to order takeout on a regular basis, there are still other ways to support the food and beverage businesses you love. Consider liking, sharing, and commenting on their social media posts to increase their online visibility. You can also share your favorite local restaurants on platforms like Facebook and ask local friends to do the same.
Give Positive Reviews
Similarly, consider reviewing your favorite local restaurants, some of which have recently been bruised by unfair online ratings. Reviews are a powerful form of social proof and effectively provide advertising for businesses. Look for your favorite restaurants on local directories such as Google, Yelp, and TripAdvisor, and on social media such as Facebook.
Some customers only post reviews to complain and rarely to express gratitude. If you've enjoyed a restaurant in the past and have yet to rate your experience, it's an opportune time to drown out the negativity.
During this challenging period, deserving positive recommendations and 5-star ratings are a welcomed gesture to recognize these restaurants' hard work and to support local business.
Looking to compose a vibrant review? Check out these restaurant review-writing tips from Grammarly.
Be Patient
New policies and rules may be frustrating or may result in slower service when you eat out. With reduced staffing, wait time during meal rush hours can also be longer than usual, and mishaps can happen during unprecedented times.
These are indeed not normal times. Please know that every restaurateur remains committed to serving their best culinary experience—safely and with excellence—to your home.
Try to be patient and understand that the new reality is impacting everyone, and most people are doing the best they can.
Support Restaurant Relief Funds and Local Initiatives
Consider supporting restaurant relief funds that are raising money to support local workers who are impacted by COVID-19. Eater published a list of grassroots organizations that have created funds to support those in the restaurant industry. Your favorite restaurants may have also created fundraisers on sites like GoFundMe to support their staff.
Final Thoughts
Supporting your local restaurants will ensure that the food you love is there for months and years to come. If you are able to do so, support your local restaurants, breweries, and bars with your dollars by ordering takeout, buying gift cards, and donating to local restaurant relief funds. If you have a tighter budget, consider interacting with your favorite restaurants on social media and recommending them on review networks.
Order online from a restaurant in your neighborhood at www.menufy.com or download our mobile app (Android or iOS).