There has never been a better time to buy restaurant gift cards.

As the coronavirus spreads and more restrictions go into place, restaurants and bars are suffering. First came slowing traffic, then cities and states put orders in place that are forcing businesses to close dining rooms and limit business to delivery and takeout orders. While layoffs are almost certain, the loss of revenue may cause some local restaurants to close forever. But thankfully, there are things you can do to help your local establishments make it through this crisis.

Order Takeout

Although many restaurants have been forced to close their dining rooms, many closure orders are still allowing carryout, delivery, and drive-thru service. Delivery-based restaurants like Dominos have instituted safety restrictions including "no contact delivery" where a customer can request a driver leaves their order on the doorstep. Many restaurants are also offering curbside pickup so customers do not have to get out of the car.

Gift Cards

When you buy a gift card from a restaurant, you are putting cash in their hands now. This micro-funding can help them pay employees and keep the lights on until the virus subsides and restaurants can reopen. Plus, restaurants know you will be returning once this crisis is over.

Photo by Narda Yescas from Pexels

Donate

Customers and management are coming up with creative ways to help employees affected by the virus. Following the lead of overtipping by customers, restaurants are holding fundraising days where a percentage of all purchases goes directly to employees. Some customers are even giving money directly to employees through apps like Venmo, GoFundMe, and Paypal.

Buy Inventory

In cities like Las Vegas where many restaurants were forced to close down completely, people have gotten creative. Faced with refrigerators full of food, restaurants began selling their raw meat, cheese, and other items to residents who have not ben able to get it from grocery stores. If you know of a restaurant near you that has closed down, contact them and see if they have anything they need to get rid of. Who knows, maybe they have some extra toilet paper on hand!1

Are you trying to support your favorite restaurants during this time? Which restaurants are you concerned about? Leave a comment, and let's get the conversation started!