There is no doubt that with the current crisis, local businesses are among the hardest hit. So how can people maintain isolation but still support their favorite local restaurants and businesses? Read on to learn how you can help keep local small businesses afloat.
Buy Gift Cards
Gift cards are a way to give restaurants money now and give yourself a treat later. The cards give business a boost when they need it without exposing people to the risks of a densely populated restaurant.
Order Takeout Or Delivery
Ordering takeout or delivery is another great way to keep money flowing into local restaurants without the crowds. Most health officials have suggested takeout as the preferred method of restaurant dining.
Delivery adds another layer of human contact to the process. Restaurant employees are being closely supervised and taking extra precautions right now. Delivery drivers do not have that same level of supervision. However, delivery means that people do not have to leave their isolation.
Whichever method works for you, it is definitely safer than dining in at a restaurant. The Tampa Bay Times compiled a list here of all restaurants closed or switching to curbside in the area.
Shop Online
When ordering your delivery or takeout, do your best to order online instead of calling in. Most restaurants do not have the staff to be taking phone calls at this point in time. Ordering online makes both the customer’s and the restaurant’s life easier.
Additionally, try to shop online at local businesses that are not in the food service industry. It is tempting to shop on Amazon, which guarantees fast delivery. However, a majority of local businesses would work hard to provide excellent customer service and local flavor.
Order Gifts Ahead Of Time
The goal behind all of these tips is to help people put money into the economy now in order to keep it from declining. One of the ways to do this is by arming yourself now for all of the yearly events down the line.
Birthdays, anniversaries, and winter holidays all make us feel obliged to buy gifts. Get a jump on your present shopping and do it now. This process goes hand in hand with buying gift cards. Get a gift card to your local restaurants and treat your significant other all through their birthday week. Or order online from a local bookstore and save it as a Christmas gift for grandma.
As an added bonus, you will not be scrambling at the last minute to buy those presents later. Stimulate the economy now and have less stress later, that’s a win-win!
Donate
Finally, if you are able to, donating is always an option. Whether that is a donation to an emergency fund for food service employees, or donation of food to kids who are not being fed at school right now. There are many people who need help and will be extremely grateful for what they receive.