Restaurants are struggling. Restaurants have defined our economy for generations. In 2019, restaurants generated almost $900 billion in sales and employed more than 15 million people. It is estimated that 20-30% of restaurants will not survive this pandemic. This would mean that up to 4.5 million employees will lose their jobs.

Please consider supporting all restaurants in your local community.

Eat locally

o  Whether you are currently eating in a restaurant or ordering takeout, restaurants need your business now more than ever! Check to see if your favorite local restaurants have a delivery service or if they use third party delivery services.

Treat yourself or a friend to a (future) meal

o  Purchase a gift card! You may not feel comfortable eating in a restaurant right now, but you will soon. You and your friends can do a gift card exchange and try all your favorite local restaurants.

Shout them out!

o  Reviews and social media posts rule our world. Give your favorite restaurants some love. Inform people of how restaurants are implementing social distancing and sanitation.

Tip like you are paying someone’s rent

o  If you can afford it, make someone’s day. Waiters have less tables and are under more pressure wearing a mask and constantly cleaning. It is tough for everyone during this pandemic.

Be patient – try not to be hangry

o  Remember everyone is still learning about this new world. Restaurants are functioning with more regulations than ever before. Continue to support and work with these restaurant owners while they learn how to serve you.

Do you have other thoughts for helping restaurants?  Post them in the comments section and let's all pull together to assist an industry in need. Other articles with COVID19 advice are available at this link.

This article was written by Hannah Eisenband of the South Florida We Sell Restaurants office. 

Hannah Eisenband is a Customer Service Specialist at We Sell Restaurants. She works directly with the franchise owner and is the initial contact person for buyers for the South Florida franchise.

Hannah graduated from the University of Central Florida with a degree in Business. Hannah has previously worked in the commercial real estate industry with a large commercial property management firm. In this capacity, she worked with tenant compliance issues. Hannah grew up in the restaurant business as her parents owned two restaurants in South Florida. She was helping in the kitchen and the front of the house from an early age and is well versed in all aspects of the hospitality industry.