Five things you need to know: ‘Virginia is for Restaurant Lovers Takeout Week’

Want to help our your local restaurant? Why not order takeout?

Virginia is for Restaurant Lovers Takeout Week launched Monday to support restaurants across the state.

Gov. Ralph Northam ordered restaurants to close their dine-in areas due to coronavirus concerns and while some restaurants have made adjustments offering curbside pick-up and delivery options, they are still struggling.

“Virginia’s restaurant industry has been hit especially hard during this time,” Eric Terry, president of Virginia Restaurant, Lodging, and Travel Association, said in a news release. “Restaurants are so vital to our economy and we encourage those who can afford to do so, to continue to help out these establishments that have helped to put Virginia on the map.”

Here are some things you need to know about the restaurant week.

1. What is it?– Virginia is for Restaurant Lovers Takeout Week is a statewide initiative to encourage Virginians to order takeout, delivery or curbside pick-up from restaurants from March 30 to April 4. The masterminds of the initiative are the Virginia Tourism Corporation and the VRLTA.
2. Is it safe?– “The foodservice industry follows strict local public health guidelines,” according to the news release. “To meet these guidelines, restaurants have safety protocols and best practices in place.” The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention also notes there is currently no evidence the coronavirus can be spread through food. If you’re sick, avoid traveling, stay six feet apart from other people and make sure to practice good hygiene like washing your hands.
3. Where do I find restaurants? The Virginia Tourism Department has created a website, which is updated frequently, that lists all the restaurants from each locality offering curbside, pick-up and delivery options. Find your local restaurants here.
4. I own a restaurant. Where do I sign up?– You can check out a blog by the Virginia Tourism Department which features a list of participating restaurants. Scroll to the bottom of the article and comment with your restaurant hours and takeout options. You can also reach out to your locality directly. If you’re using social media to update your customers on hours, make sure to add the hashtag #VirginiaEatsLocal. See tips about delivery options here.
5. What’s with the t-shirts? The Virginia Tourism Department is selling limited edition Virginia is for Restaurant Lovers t-shirts. “A portion of the proceeds will be going to emergency relief efforts for food service workers in crisis,” the t-shirt’s description noted.

For more information, visit Virginia is For Restaurant Lovers’ website.