AUSTIN (KXAN) — “America’s restaurants are in crisis,” Vice President of DeVries Global, Josh Levitt said in an email KXAN received. Levitt represents several national restaurants including Blaze Pizza and Del Taco.
Levitt believes “the coronavirus poses a significant threat to the future of an industry that employs more than 15 million Americans.”
That ripple effect is felt in Austin.
Local restaurants took a hit when Gov. Greg Abbott announced a state-wide mandate limiting social gatherings to no more than 10 people. Several other Texas counties have gone a step farther ordering a shelter-in-place for the coming weeks including the City of Austin. Many businesses were forced to either close, lay off employees or limit their sales to drive-thru, takeout, or delivery only.
Those able to do the latter are hoping to hop on a viral movement to increase sales and, in turn, continue to pay their employees during the coronavirus outbreak.
The movement is called The Great American Takeout for Tuesday, March 24. If you search the hashtags #TheGreatAmericanTakout or #GreatAmericanTakeout, you will find many restaurants are participating including local ones like taco chain Torchy’s.
The idea is to support the industry as well as employees by eating at least one delivery or pick-up meal Tuesday.
President of Wayback Burgers Patrick Conlin said in an emailed statement to KXAN: “During these difficult times in our world’s history, we must stick together. By supporting local restaurants today, you are helping your neighbor keep their paycheck. Wayback Burgers is committed to each community we are a part of and ask for your backing today during the #GreatAmericanTakeout.”
Entire cities are jumping on board too. Georgetown followed the trend promoting it along with listing places offering various options.
Check here for status updates of Austin restaurants.
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