This morning I woke up feeling overwhelmed, which is understandable given the state of things. The first thing I wanted to do was turn on the tv to watch my allotted 15 min a day of news I have permitted myself. Or grab my phone to read my one article daily about the coronavirus pandemic. But, I want to help and do not know where to begin, so today I am sharing Five things you can do TODAY to Help NYC Restaurants.
The feeling of uneasiness and out of control drives a person like me who never watches or reads the news to sit in front of the television overconsuming. Yet, a part of me hopes I will hear or read that there is once again light in our beautiful city, which has gone dark.
So much has changed quickly, and the uncertainty creates a feeling I can not shake since the New York Metro area confirmed its first COVID-19 case some 20-something days ago. The times we live in are no doubt a threat to our health, livelihood, and entire economic system.
It saddens me that many small businesses closed their doors to protect their staff and the general public. And the messages I receive from the people I have formed friendships with within the hospitality industry are heartbreaking.
The Hospitality Industry employes some one million workers in the New York Metro area. Yes, there is officially a stimulus now in place to assist. However, there are no guarantees that it will help us with the financial crisis the coronavirus will leave behind.
Relief Opportunities for All Restaurants (ROAR)
The Hospitality Industry has come together to create a more united voice for New York City’s restaurant industry amid the coronavirus pandemic sweeping our city. The newly formed organization “Relief Opportunities for All Restaurants” (ROAR) launched on Thursday, March 19.
It is the effort of over 20 of NYC’s top restaurant groups. The founding members include a representative from each area of the industry. Fast-casual chain Dig, restauranteur Gabriel Stulman’s Happy Cooking Hospitality, Eataly, Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s restaurant group, and Chef JJ Johnson’s casual enterprise FieldTrip are some of the funding members, according to Eater.
In addition, the organization has devised an industry relief eight-point plan in their active Change.org petition. To date, the petition has 65,490 signatures.
We can all do something to help
All of us are, in some way or another trying to maintain sanity amidst all of this madness. We are trying to understand what is happening and where we fit into this. I urge you to take care of yourself first, then find solace in doing whatever you can for others.
I firmly believe that we all need help at some point. And someone always steps forward and lends a helping hand. As New Yorkers, we always band together under challenging times. Today is no different; we MUST come together; it is the only way to get through this.
Here are five things you can do to help the restaurant community today
I have had a few people message me asking what the restaurants are doing for me or how much they are paying me. Likewise, I have had someone ask what the restaurant will do for them if they support them. These restaurants are NOT doing anything for me, and I am NOT receiving any PAYMENTS.
I am simply helping in any way I can, and I am asking you to do the same. And REMEMBER supporting a restaurant or your favorite business merely is not about supporting the owners. It is about preserving our communities and helping someone stay employed so that they can, in turn, support themselves and their family.
- Follow ROAR on Instagram @roar.ny to see updates + head to change.org, and sign the petition.
- If you can, consider buying a meal for someone in need. Because purchasing a meal TODAY ensures someone remains employed.
- Stay engaged. Please make a list of your favorite restaurant and SUPPORT them today in any way you can.
- Many restaurants offer gift cards for future use; purchase one for yourself or a friend. Or support your favorite restaurant’s GOFUNDME Relief, Fund.
- Follow and tag your favorite restaurant on Instagram, REPOST their special offerings, hours of operation, or deliver and takeout information.
As always, I am sending Love – Stay safe.
Cheers
XXOO
Nat