Give restaurants the gift of free advertising by sharing their social media posts. The algorithms on social networks often prioritize content from individuals over content from businesses, so a post from you about a great takeout experience or a photo of a delicious meal can go a long way. Word-of-mouth is also invaluable — start a group chat with work colleagues or family members to share your favorite restaurants that are open for business.
Reach out to restaurant owners in your community through email, social media messages or phone calls (please be mindful of their time) to see if they could use any charitable donations. Whether it’s money or supplies, some owners might take you up on the offer. You can also visit crowdfunding sites like GoFundMe to search for businesses around you that may be struggling. Some states have begun setting up relief funds to assist food service workers and their families.
iStockphoto.com / monkeybusinessimagesOffer Thanks
When you do patronize a local restaurant, thank the employees and owners for feeding you! This is a challenging, stressful time for everyone, and offering a compliment, a smile, a generous tip or a glowing online review can do a lot for their morale — and yours, too.