5 Ways We Help Restaurants Right Now

Leisurely’s mission is built around connecting people to the activities they love. From dumpling making at Kings County Imperial to mixing drinks at Pouring Ribbons, we are SO THANKFUL for our restaurant partners and are grateful to be able to deliver unique experiences on their behalf. And while we’re pressing pause on our usual line up of experiences for the time being, we’re going to continue to support restaurants by bringing the Leisurely community the best opportunities to enjoy food, drink, and life at home.

Over the course of the next few weeks, Leisurely will highlight ways restaurants across the country are coping with Coronavirus. We’ll share our favorite recipes, videos, and food driven content to help you connect with the places you love. And we’ll highlight news from around the restaurant industry about what chefs, restaurateurs, and leaders within hospitality are doing to help small businesses overcome these trying times. To kick things off, we’re sharing 5 easy ways you can help restaurants right this moment.

1. Support Restaurants by Ordering Take Out or Pick Up for a Meal One Night A Week

We know during this time of uncertainty it might be hard to think about ordering a meal out instead of cooking at home. But an entire industry that generates millions of dollars in revenue and employs millions is facing extinction, and we’re confident that the way to get through all this is by coming together. So if you’ve had a tough week and have cash to spare, or just don’t have the strength to cook a meal right now, consider ordering a dish you can’t make at home from a restaurant. Or treat yourself to a cocktail delivery instead of risking a run to the liquor store. Stay tuned for Leisurely’s upcoming round ups of unique take out offerings.

2. Buy Restaurant Branded Merchandise and Gift Cards

Want to support restaurants but can’t get behind the idea of leaving your house for curbside pick up? Okay fair point. Instead, support your favorite restaurant by buying merchandise, gift cards, or even restaurant bonds. We’re going to feature some of our favorite finds each week, and since we’re guessing most of you are dressing exceptionally casual these days on video calls, we think it’s a win-win for everyone. Here’s a little taste of some taco merch courtesy of LA’s Tacos 1986 to get things started.

3. Know a Good Lawyer? Are You One? Then Let’s Talk Lease Abatement

Restaurants are just trying to buy time, and over the course of the next few weeks, we’ll be interviewing several restaurateurs who’ve found creative solutions to help weather the storm. From lease abatement to delaying sales tax payment, we’ll highlight different causes you should seriously consider getting behind. But in the meantime, read up on lease laws, get involved in local movements like the petition to delay NY State sales tax collection, and be ready to use all of your skills and all of your powers as a human to be part of the solution.

4. GoFundMe’s and Charitable Causes

Donating is easy, and no matter what you can donate, it makes everyone feel good. We’ll be sharing opportunities as we find them to help places like Pizzeria Bedia in Phiadelphia keep slinging amazing pizza. And you know we’ll be keeping tabs on what Jose Andres and his World Central Kitchen is up to.

5. Subscribe, Follow, and Consume Restaurant Content

With so many people working from home and limiting their time outside, it’s important to remember the power food has above everything else. So follow your favorite restaurant’s social media channels. Recreate one of their favorite dishes at your house and then share it across your social media platforms. These actions may seem small, but it’s a way to preserve their legacy no matter what happens next.