Restaurants ask consumers to take it to go March 24

A coalition of quick-service and fast-casual food chains are promoting an event called “The Great American Takeout.”

The group, which includes Panera Bread, Noodles & Company, Veggie Grill, El Torito, Jason’s Deli, The Habit Burger Grill, Lemonade, Modern Market, and Chevys Fresh Mex, is asking Americans to participate in The Great American Takeout on Tuesday, March 24. During The Great American Takeout, people are encouraged to order at least one delivery or pick-up meal to show support for the struggling restaurant sector.
 
Because dine-in meals are no longer being served at most restaurants, delivery and pick-up are the only ways to support these businesses. According to the coalition, the restaurant industry employs 15 million people nationwide.
  
To participate in The Great American Takeout, Americans are being asked to:
 
1. Post on social media in advance of the event, using the hashtag #thegreatamericantakeout. 

2. Engage friends, family and colleagues to support their local restaurants by ordering takeout meals.

3. Order delivery or pick-up for at least one meal on March 24, sharing photos on social media tagged with #thegreatamericantakeout.
 
After The Great American Takeout, Americans are encouraged to continue supporting local restaurants and industry employees by ordering takeout regularly throughout the weeks and months ahead. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has identified restaurant and carryout/quick-serve food operations as “essential critical infrastructure workforce.” 

“This is no longer about the survival of individual restaurants,” said Russ Bendel, CEO of The Habit Burger Grill. “It’s about the future of our industry. And time has run out. Together, we must act to support each other and our communities in unprecedented ways.”