Ways to Help the Local Restaurant Industry While Dining Rooms are Closed

With the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) around the world, the restaurant industry is among one of the hardest hit as people social distance and quarantine. Maryland Governor Larry Hogan ordered all bars and restaurants to close for dine-in services on March 16th.

Here are some ways you can help the local restaurant industry during this challenging time.

Order Delivery and Carryout

Most places are still open for carryout and delivery. Here is a database that SouthBMore.com, Baltimore Development Corporation, and Baltimore Development Corporation created to show what South Baltimore Peninsula restaurants are open (Note to restaurants: please feel free to make updates to this document.)

Some places are offering alcoholic beverages and packaged good, and some are offering meal prep kits, including pizza kits.

Buy Gift Cards 

Gift cards provide restaurants with some capital to get through this time with limited income.

Rally for Restaurants is a national website that was started so individuals can buy many restaurant gift cards all in one place.

Individuals can also go directly to restaurant’s social media and web pages for links to buy gift cards.

Realtor Erik Thorsvik of The Jeff Washo Team of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices purchased 10 gift cards to South Baltimore restaurants and has been doing a daily gift card giveaways.

Buy Shirts and Gear 

A site called Baltimore Neighbors is selling T-shirts with part of the profits going to support many different restaurants in Baltimore including South Baltimore restaurants Abbey Burger Bistro, Diablo Doughnuts, Don’t Know Tavern, Shotti’s Point, and Taco and Love Grill.

Many restaurants are also offering ways to buy gear through their websites and Facebook pages.

Ways to Donate

–The Baltimore Restaurant Relief Fund is a pending 501 (c)(3) nonprofit that is raising money for the Baltimore restaurant industry and linking to resources for restaurant owners and workers.

-Light Street Presbyterian has launched The Common Table Fundraiser GoFundMe campaign which is raising money to buy food from local restaurants Scipio Catering Company, SoBo Cafe, Wiley Gunthers, and Southside Diner to provide to senior residents in Sharp-Leadenhall Apartments.

-&pizza, which has a location in Federal Hill, has set up a site so people can buy healthcare workers pizzas.

-Mother’s Federal Hill has launched a GoFundMe for its employees.

-Illusions has also launched a GoFundMe.

-Spoons Cafe has started selling a special blend of coffee beans to supports its employees.

Please let us know of any other efforts to help and we will add them!

via https://www.southbmore.com/2020/03/27/ways-to-help-the-local-restaurant-industry-while-dining-rooms-are-closed/