Great American Takeout: Place a food order to support restaurants

The Great American Takeout is a way for everyone to come together and place of food order in support of the restaurant industry and its employees.

As the restaurant industry and its employees face an uncertain future, the Great American Takeout is an effort to show support. On Tuesday, March 24, anyone who can is encouraged to place a delivery, carryout or to-go order at a restaurant. While one food order may not seem like a lot, the combined effort across the nation can be a substantial show of support.

Looking through social media or watching the news, closed doors and empty restaurants represent concern not only for the present but also for the future. More than 15 million Americans work in the restaurant industry.

Whether it is the servers or the line cooks or the bartender, a restaurant is only as strong as its employees. When business disappears, the ripple effect is great and the impact is significant.

Across the nation, a coalition restaurants are joining together to support this event. From The Cheesecake Factory to Panera Bread to Blaze Pizza, the list keeps growing every day. Any and every restaurant order can be part of The Great American Takeout.

Whether you go to your favorite restaurant or try a new restaurant, the idea is to place an order of support. From breakfast to lunch to dinner, there are many options available. Every little bit helps. That order is a statement of support to the employees in the restaurant industry.

Everyone who participates in the Great American Takeout is encouraged to tag their food order with #TheGreatAmericanTakeout. While many people are looking to social media as a way to connect during social distancing, this initiative can be a way for everyone to come together in a positive way.

While this idea is starting on March 24, it does not have to be limited to just one day. If possible, why not continue long beyond just this Tuesday. Whether it is this idea or #CarryOutWednesday, the restaurant industry needs support.

Restaurants and the service industry has been there for their patrons to celebrate special occasions, gather with friends or just an open door and a friendly face. Now is the time for patrons to give back to those establishments and their employees.

If you are able, consider joining the #GreatAmericanTakeout on March 24.

For more information about COVID-19, visit the CDC’s website or the website for your state’s Department of Health.