Supporting Local Businesses during COVID-19 with #TakeoutDay

The COVID-19 pandemic is having a significant impact across the country. The restaurant industry is uniquely affected by the pandemic, as dine-in service closes across the country and restaurants are mandated to focus only on delivery and takeout.

According to a recent survey conducted by Restaurants Canada, four out of five restaurants have laid off employees and 44 per cent have cut staff hours since March 1. Adding to this, nearly one out of 10 restaurants have already closed permanently and 18 per cent will have to close their business permanently within a month if current conditions continue.

The entire foodservice industry is greatly feeling the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and with delivery and takeout becoming essential to stay afloat, our community wants to know how they can encourage ordering, instill consumer confidence, and support the industry at large.

Working with a number of key industry players, Restaurants Canada is proud to announce the #TakeoutDay campaign, launching April 15th, 2020.

From April 15th and onward, every Wednesday is now #TakeoutDay! To mark this special occasion, we’re excited to introduce the Canada’s Great Kitchen Party – Home Edition!

On April 15th, 8:00 p.m. EST, an epic variety show will take place on Facebook live with Canada Take Out. It will feature musical entertainment from Canada’s top talent and celebrated athletes. Headliners will include Jim Cuddy, Alan Doyle, Ed Robertson, Barney Bentall and Tom Cochrane. Full lineup being announced soon. Friends and family can enjoy dinner and a concert together virtually and do their part to help restaurants on #TakeoutDay.

The #TakeoutDay campaign is bringing together chefs, major brands, and culinary leaders and personalities from across the country with the objective of encouraging consumers to order takeout and delivery in an effort to support local businesses.

How can you get involved?

#TakeoutDay is for everyone – whether a supplier, a distributor, a chef, operator, or major brand, there is room for involvement. In this time of need, we are stronger, together.

Here’s a few ways you can be involved in the #TakeoutDay movement:

• We ask everyone to spread awareness by sharing campaign assets across their social media channels and use hashtag #TakeoutDay
• Chefs, culinary leaders, celebrities and well-known food personalities have the opportunity to record a video to promote #TakeoutDay
• Submit your restaurant to the Finder Map on canadatakeout.com

For more information, visit canadatakeout.com.