It would appear that with a state-imposed quarantine, and with restaurants, pharmacies, and supermarkets being the few businesses open, all of these would be doing their great financially. Especially restaurants, since we all have to eat, right? The reality is that the vast majority, if not all, of restaurants, are seeing a significant decline in their sales, and this is very worrying for the entire business ecosystem.
The decrease in sales of these food establishments has a huge multiplier effect on the country’s economy. Many of its employees are young people or foreigners who are barely living with their salaries and tips. Also, the owners of these establishments are superheroes who have sacrificed everything to create these spaces and, more importantly, restaurants are one of the most critical pillars in the food chain as they help promote local agriculture.
Undoubtedly, the uncertainty that surrounds us by what we are going through has made us more reserved when buying food outside the home. However, we need to start our little bailout of this industry by eating at the restaurants in our community.
In addition to being aware of the situation, here are some specific things we can do to save the gastronomic industry.
- Download all the delivery applications and order from local restaurants
This is the easiest and most efficient way to contribute to the cause in these times. It’s the time to be grateful for these establishments for all the effort and sacrifice they make so that we can have memorable experiences and always eat deliciously. There are several of these apps that are offering free delivery if you shop at local restaurants. Remember that chains are going to survive; it is time to support the mom and pop shops. Order, eat, and repeat!
- Share on social networks any promotion you see of open restaurants
If your financial situation does not allow you to buy food from local restaurants at this time, support them by sharing their promotions, schedules, and raising awareness of the importance of saving the gastronomic industry. Any way we can contribute is welcomed.
- Call, write and demand that local politicians take action
Our political leaders have in their power to temporarily eliminate taxes, implement moratoriums of payments (mortgages, rents, profits) and create legislation to encourage short, medium, and long-term wages for employees and operations of the business. So write to them, call them and make your voice heard in favor of the industry.
- Restaurants must pivot their offering
In addition to what we can do for them, restaurant owners must modify their offerings to reasonable and tempered alternatives for these times. They could also become providers of ingredients, cookware, and ready-to-cook meals at home. You have to get creative and innovate!
- Be grateful to everyone who is working and giving 100%
Chefs, cooks, waiters, dishwashers, cashiers, operations managers, delivery drivers, kitchen support personnel, janitors, distributors, wholesalers, delivery personnel, vendors, inventory personnel, warehouse personnel, retailers, manufacturers of food, farmers, coffee growers, baristas, bartenders, among many others who are part of the food industry. Say thanks … and leave a tip!
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Paul E González Mangual is an author of four books, founder of FOODIEcations, columnist for Sabrosía Puerto Rico, TEDx speaker, Guinness World Record Holder, whiskey enthusiast, coffee addict, and producer of the Coffee & Chocolate Expo.
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