We’re living in difficult times, and can be even more difficult for small businesses. To help keep your favorite restaurants from disappearing, I am sharing 6 ways you can support them. Living in the San Francisco Bay Area, it can especially be tough due to high cost of food and rent. I made shoutouts to my local favorites below. If you also live in the Bay Area or have plans to visit, please check them out.
1) Order takeout, delivery, or curbside service
Fortunately, most restaurants are open and are ready to feed you. There are now more options to get your grub on, while social distancing, like online ordering and free delivery service. Check out their web site, call, or use your favorite food delivery service the next time you feel too lazy or don’t have time to cook. If you find yourself ordering through your delivery service apps several times a month, it would be worth taking a look into their subscription offers. Most provide discounts or free delivery on orders. I personally subscribe to DashPass from DoorDash, which saves me money on delivery fees.
2) Purchase groceries and meal kits
A great idea some restaurants are doing is selling groceries. It’s a way for people to get the groceries they need without dealing with social distancing measures and out of stock risks at regular grocery retailers. You can read more at CNN: Restaurants are transforming into grocery stores because of coronavirus.
Here are two amazing lists that compile participating restaurants all around the Bay Area – Eater: 17 Bay Area Restaurants Where You Can Stock Up on Groceries and Pantry Staples and The Infatuation: San Francisco & East Bay Restaurants Selling Groceries And Produce Boxes.
Two of my favorite restaurants are Nopa and Pizzeria Delfina. You can take a look at what Nopa is offering here, and see what Pizzeria Delfina has here. One of the reasons why I love their food is because of their use of fresh ingredients. With their meal kits, you have the opportunity to recreate your favorite dishes and level up your culinary skills. A possible fun activity for the family, especially with the pizza kits.
Another fun option is baking. A ton of people have taken up baking as their new Shelter in Place hobby. Why not learn to recreate your favorite bakery’s treats by ordering a baking kit? Mr. Holmes Bakehouse, known for their “I got baked in…” neon signs and their cruffins, now sells their own baking kits online here.
3) Heat and ready-to-eat family meals and weekly meal plans
If you’re not much of a chef at home, you can order pre-made meals that are ready to heat up and enjoy when you’re hungry. If you’re looking for Filipino fusion cuisine with plant-based options, check out The Sarap Shop. The Sarap Shop offers WFH Meal Kits, which are customizable weekly meal plans with up to eight entree options to choose from, plus extras. I chose their four-meal plan and received easy-to-prepare, tasty food to get me through the week. If you are unable to pick up your order from their San Francisco location, they can deliver to your door in San Francisco and parts of the Peninsula and East Bay for an added fee. Learn more, and start your order at The Sarap Shop: WFH Meal Kits.
4) Buy gift cards and merchandise
Gift cards are available almost everywhere and can be purchased online. Show your support and buy them for friends and family. Let them experience for themselves why these restaurants have won over your heart.
Here is a list of restaurants, where you can buy fun merch and rep their businesses – Eater SF: Now Would Be the Time to Pick Up Some Fly Bay Area Restaurant Merch. I added a few other finds below from Mitchell’s Ice Cream (t-shirt), Boba Guys (reusable tumbler), Burma Superstar (tote bag), Original Joe’s Westlake (bandana), and Cockscomb (hat).
5) Donate
Check out this list of organizations you can make a monetary donation to support restaurants and its workers across the country – Eater: A List Of Relief Funds for Restaurants, bars, and Food Service Workers
6) Spread the word
If you’re a fan of a particular place, it shouldn’t be too difficult to spread word of mouth. Use your social media platforms to bring awareness to others, or surprise your friends with a food delivery. I often discover new restaurants through friends on instagram and get reminded of restaurants I have been wanting to try. Letting others know what services your restaurants have to offer during shelter in place could help them pull through this challenging time. Please share your favorite local restaurants in the comments below. I always love hearing recommendations. Sharing is caring!
I hope this inspires you to take part in supporting your local restaurants. Let’s do our part in helping them stick around. Eat well, and stay safe!
-Elle
