A group of restaurant companies is banding together to get Americans to order more takeout.
The coalition, including Panera Bread, Noodles & Co., Veggie Grill, El Torito, Jason’s Deli, The Habit Burger Grill, Lemonade, Modern Market and Chevy’s Fresh Mex, is asking Americans to participate in “The Great American Takeout” this Tuesday.
That day, people are encouraged to order at least one delivery or pickup meal to show support for the struggling restaurant industry.
“This is no longer about the survival of individual restaurants,” said Russ Bendel, CEO of Habit, in a statement. “It’s about the future of our industry. And time has run out. Together, we must act to support each other and our communities in unprecedented ways.”
The coronavirus is having a devastating impact on the industry, affecting chains large and small along with thousands of independent restaurants. Many companies have lost most of their sales as customers have stayed home and governments have cut off dine-in business.
The Great American Takeout is designed to help spread awareness of the issue while convincing Americans of the need to support their favorite restaurants.
The group is asking customers to post on social media beforehand, using the hashtag #thegreatamericantakeout, and then order one meal for delivery or pickup on Tuesday, March 24, sharing photos with the same hashtag.
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