How to help

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ORDER directly from the restaurant

The absolute best way to support your local restaurant is to order direct and pick it up yourself. If picking up your order isn’t an option, ordering delivery is still appreciated. While third-party delivery apps like Uber Eats expand restaurants’ geographic reach and customer base, they also charge hefty commissions and service fees to restaurants.

To help business owners avoid paying these astronomical fees, make the extra effort and order from restaurants directly by picking up the phone or placing an order on their website rather than using the delivery app on your phone. Some restaurants offer their own in-house delivery services while others will link you to third-party platforms via their website or social media accounts, which significantly reduces their service fees and helps keep revenue in the local economy.

 
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Be a generous tipper

Share the love and show your support by going online or calling in to order a gift card for friends and family … or even yourself. No matter the denomination and regardless of whether you plan on using it today or saving it for a rainy day, it’s another great way to give a boost to your favourite local restaurant.

 
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Buy something to drink

Consider purchasing libations from an independent restaurant or bar – many of whom offer hand-picked craft brews, offbeat natural wines, bartender-blended cocktails, cocktail kits, and other interesting selections you might not find elsewhere.

 
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don’t order only on the weekends

Take a break from the kitchen and let someone else handle the mid-week cooking for a change. Many restaurants offer feature dishes and specials on Sunday through Thursday in an effort to encourage diners to order during off-peak times, so spice up an otherwise boring weeknight by treating yourself to a chef-prepared meal and a nice bottle of wine!

 
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PURCHASE GIFT CARDS

Share the love and show your support by going online or calling in to order a gift card for friends and family … or even yourself. No matter the denomination and regardless of whether you plan on using it today or saving it for a rainy day, it’s another great way to give a boost to your favourite local restaurant.

 
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SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL NEWSLETTERS

Keep apprised of all of the latest news by visiting restaurant websites and signing up for their newsletters. It’s a handy way to stay connected and be in the know not only now but when it comes to future promotions, events and menu updates.

 
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ENGAGE ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Whether it’s to share a photo of that Christmas party, night out with the BFFs or intimate dinner between just the two of you, go through that photo archive and post some of your favourite memories from your favourite restaurants. When a restaurant posts on their social accounts, DM them or leave a comment to let them know you’re in their corner and will see them soon.

 
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WRITE A POSITIVE REVIEW

Been putting off writing that glowing review? Now’s the time. Go online and let others know which restaurants have made the difference to you, whether it was an dish to die for, that server who went the extra mile or a drink that inspired you to flex your own bartending skills at home, show your love and share your story.

 

SUPPORT FRONTLINE WORKERS

Seek out local charities in your own community or organizations like @feedthefrontlinecanada that are partnering with restaurants to prepare and deliver meals at all hours of the day to frontline workers. They’re giving their all to keep first responders, clinicians and healthcare workers healthy, happy and fed during the COVID-19 crisis.

 

CONNECT WITH INDUSTRY ORGANIZATIONS

Follow and engage with industry oriented organizations that are advocating for bars, restaurants and small businesses during this time of uncertainty, such as onetable.ca, savehospitality.ca, the British Columbia Restaurant and Food Services Association (bcrfa.com), Restaurants Canada (@restaurantscanada) or canadatakeout.com. Share with friends and show your support.

 

BE KIND

While it’s a good general rule for everyone to live by on the best of days, it’s something that we need to do now more than ever. Just like all of us, restaurant owners, chefs, servers, managers, suppliers and delivery people can use a little extra love these days, so give them that kind word. Smile. Hold that door. Say ‘thank you’. Remember — we’re all in this together, and it’s the little things that count the most!