If you’re a fan of ordering out food as well as helping local businesses, I’ve got good news for you…there is now a whole national day dedicated to those causes.
Hundreds of Canadian culinary leaders, restaurant owners and celebrities have banded together and are launching a cross-country initiative, declaring every Wednesday in April to be ‘Takeout Day.’
Beginning Wednesday, April 15, the movement is simply asking Canadians to order food from their favourite local restaurants who are offering takeout or delivery.
The online movement is suggesting to order your food and tune in to a live variety show being held on Canada’s Great Kitchen Party – Home Edition Facebook page. Kicking off at 5 pm PT, Canadian talents will be entertaining people at their “virtual table” while asking you to share the local restaurants you have chosen to support.
The live show is said to be hosted by George Stroumboulopoulos, with performances from Jim Cuddy, Alan Doyle, Ed Robertson, Barney Bentall, and Tom Cochrane over the weeks. During the April 15 show, Olympic gold medalist Tessa Virtue is scheduled to make an appearance as well.
The restaurant industry is one of many that has been significantly devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to stats from Restaurant Canada, by the end of March, nearly one out of 10 respondents to one of their surveys said they’d already permanently shut down at least one of their locations. Another 18 percent said they might have to permanently close within a month if conditions don’t improve.
“Restaurants are vital to the social and economic fabric of communities across Canada, but operating a food service business is tough, even in the best of times,” says Shanna Munro, Restaurants Canada president and CEO.
“Not only was our industry among the first to feel the impacts of COVID-19, we’ve been one of the hardest hit so far, with nearly two-thirds of our workforce now lost. We would love to see Canadians embrace #TakeoutDay and support those restaurants who are still able to operate through takeout or delivery.”
Canada Takeout spokesperson Pay Chen added that, “Takeout Day 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.”
Well-known chefs who are actively involved include Vikram Vij in Vancouver and Ivana Raca in Toronto.
The message from the movement is straight forward: Let’s eat together and make Wednesday’s #TakeoutDay
If you are planning on joining and are looking to find restaurants in your area, head to the ‘things that are open’ landing page through the banner on the homepage of our website or click here.
Graham Cox
