Family-owned restaurants are struggling to survive during the pandemic. Some restaurants in southern climates can serve customers at open-air tables that are socially distanced during winter months; however, this strategy won’t work in places like Seattle or Syracuse. These small businesses are among the highest risk to fail, and need our help.
We’ve resolved to do takeout food once a week. We choose a different local restaurant each time. (The choice often takes more time than the actual ordering and picking up.) This is how to make sure the restaurant of the week gets the maximum amount of money from your purchase:
- Call the restaurant directly and place the order. See next bullet for why.
- Pick up the order yourself. Online order and delivery services charge restaurants a high commission. Don’t forget to bring your mask if you need to go inside to get your order.
- Pay with a credit card, since many restaurants are having trouble making change with the shortage of cash. (Too many people with jars of coins on their dresser that they’re not using at the local coffee shop.)
- Don’t forget to tip, especially if you live in a state that allows restaurants to pay sub-minimum wage to tipped workers. That may include cooks and dishwashers if the restaurant expects waitstaff to pool tips.
While not a perfect solution (PASS A RELIEF BILL ALREADY, CONGRESS!!!), ordering takeout from family-run restaurants can help them stay in business until the pandemic subsides and they can offer indoor dining again. Consider doing so if you can afford it.
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