Canadians Virtually Gather to Rescue Restaurants

Inventive ways to support local and keep your favourite restaurants afloat in this time

Last month, as gatherings were banned and businesses deemed non-essential were forced to close, bars and restaurants across the country had no choice but to close their dining room doors.

According to Restaurants Canada, nearly one in 10 restaurants are now permanently shut, but we don’t have to let that trend continue.

Hungry Canadians to the rescue

Cue Canada Takeout, a nationwide campaign to save our restaurants, kicking off Wednesday, April 15th. Through this initiative, Canadians across the country are being encouraged to support their favourite local restaurants by ordering takeout, making #TakeoutDay a new weekly Wednesday tradition.

“#TakeoutDay aims to save more than just businesses-whether it’s the local mom and pop eatery or the popular restaurant that made it onto top dining lists. Our robust and diverse culinary scene is an integral part of Canada’s unique identity and we stand to lose an important part of our culture and heritage if we don’t do our part,” says Pay Chen, a popular food opinion leader and an ambassador for Canada Takeout.

Chefs speak from home and from the heart

Many of Canada’s favourite food personalities are also actively involved including Vancouver and Surrey’s own Chef Vikram Vij.  

“This pandemic has affected all of us, whether you are a dishwasher or a head chef; everybody is hurting. With your support, you will support the dishwashers, the farmers, the fishermen, the wine people, the industry,” says Vij.

Let’s party

At 8 p.m. Eastern on April 15th, Canadian superstars including Jim Cuddy (Blue Rodeo), Alan Doyle (Great Big Sea), Ed Robertson (Barenaked Ladies), Barney Bentall and Tom Cochrane will be headlining Canada’s Great Kitchen Party – Home Edition’s virtual variety show on Facebook Live in support of #TakeoutDay.

Additional Great Kitchen Party concerts have been slated for April 22nd and 29th with George Stroumboulopoulos, Tessa Virtue, Sam Roberts, Neil Osborne (54-40) and more scheduled to appear.

How you can help

Restaurants have supported our communities for years not only through food but also via fundraising, events and sponsorships. Now it’s our turn to give back during this difficult time which will ultimately determine their futures.

Spread the Word! Talk about #TakeoutDay with your social media following, using #TakeoutDay and @CanadaTakeout.

Convince family and friends to order takeout on Wednesday, April 15th, and every Wednesday, plus enjoy Canada’s Great Kitchen Party – Home Edition online with one another.

Whatever your taste may be, let’s eat together, Canada.

For more information, visit Canada Takeout online or on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

CREATED BY BCLIVING, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CANADA TAKEOUT