by Sarah Takallou
From “mom-and-pop” diners to massive chains, restaurants of all sizes are hurting due to the effects of COVID-19. While restaurants around the country begin to reopen, they are still recovering from the economic turmoil they faced during the complete indoor dining shutdown in March and May and continue to struggle financially while operating on limited capacity in the present day. Despite these challenges, there are a few ways and “little helps” that we, as the consumer, can help the restaurants within our own communities stay alive.
Tip, tip, tip!
Keep in mind that most of the servers at your favorite restaurants have been unemployed for the past few months while in door dining was put on pause in order to maintain social distancing orders. Today, they continue to make up for the lack of income that they lost during the in door dining shutdown. Next time you are signing the check, practice kindness towards your server and don't forget to tip.
Be mindful of time.
While operating on limited capacity, restaurants can't afford to host customers that sit for hours ordering chips and water all night (yes, some people actually do this!). Be mindful that tables are now sparse to do limited capacity orders and restaurants cannot afford to lose revenue this way.
Be patient.
While it may be frustrating for you that your favorite restaurant may have a longer wait than usual due to limited capacity, know that it is especially stressful for the restaurant owners themselves. These restaurants would love to have you dine in, however sometimes cannot accommodate holding everyone due to limited capacity orders. Make reservations in advance and be patient with your host/hostess.
Order takeout, delivery, or curbside service.
While many restaurants may be operating at limited capacity, serving less people at a time on site, their kitchens continue to work hard in the back. Treat yourself right every now and then and order take out from your favorite local restaurants! Whether it's the pizza place down the street or the poke place you have been dying to try, support their business by ordering in. Keep in mind that restaurants prefer when you call them directly versus using a food delivery site such as Postmates or GrubHub due to the fees associated with them, taking a portion of their money from sales.
Buy merch.
Many restaurants must get creative when it comes to generating revenue based on a lack of income. Restaurants are now selling mugs, tshirts, baseball caps, and more swag to supplement their revenue. Represent and support your local restaurants by buying merch. Look great and feel better.
Invest in gift cards.
You can either purchase these for yourself to use at a later time or exchange them amongst friends! Purchasing gift cards is a great opportunity to help local restaurants, sometimes without even leaving your home. These small acts of kindness translate into immediate revenue that can drastically help keep a restaurant in your community alive.
Hop on Mayo!
Mayo is now in the process of working with restaurants to create a symbiotic relationship between businesses and their customers. Mayo’s goal, in this context, is to foster more genuine relationships between restaurants and their local community. Click here to subscribe to our quarterly newsletter to stay updated.
Here at Mayo, we believe kindness can be shown in all sorts of ways, big or small. We hope these seven tips can help you show kindness to your local restaurants.
For a great resource of diverse, local businesses in your community visit https://intentionalist.com/