We are facing challenging times right now, but one thing is certain – Toronto/GTA restaurants are here for you, and they’re eager to feed you.
While grocery stores fill with panicked buyers emptying shelves, local restaurants, bars, cafes, bakeries, and food shops are stocked and ready for you – not to mention, a welcome respite from the frenzy.
Here are five ways you can support food and drink businesses right now:
1. Dine out
Restaurants, bars, and cafes are taking every precaution to keep diners safe by observing preventative health protocols and following the advice of the Ontario Ministry of Health & Safety including: vigilant hand washing, diligently cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, door handles, menus, devices, washrooms; allowing only a certain number of guests in at a time; seating tables at a distance from one another.
They want make your experience a welcoming one, so dine out if you’re able.
2. Order pick up
If you’re not comfortable dining out right now, call ahead and place your order for pick up.
Bonus: Your pantry stays stocked one more day.
3. Get it delivered
Don’t want to leave the house? Have food sent right to your front door.
Consider this your excuse to indulge in your love of Thai, Indian, pizza, sushi, burgers, salad … you name it. You can even have your favourite chips and ice cream delivered.
4. Shop local
While you may be tempted to shop at bigger chain stores, there’s much to be gained by shopping at local food stores and grocers: You can purchase everything from daily essentials and pantry items to prepared foods, without the lineups, stress, and/or lack of inventory.
You also help a small business stay in business.
5. Purchase gift certificates
A restaurant gift card/certificate is a fantastic gift at any time of year (who doesn’t want a night off cooking?), but especially right now.
You not only help support a restaurant during this difficult time; whomever you gift it to will be so glad to be out dining again when all this is over, you’ll be a goddamn hero.