A handful of local agencies, such as the Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau, are working hand-in-hand to help restaurants struggling during the pandemic, coming up with the “Save Our Restaurants” initiative.

With local restaurants hit so hard by the pandemic, these organizations are urging diners to take the “takeout pledge” and order food to-go at least once or twice per week. Agencies involved with the campaign also include the Chamber for a Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro and the Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership.

“Without take out for the last 9 months our doors would be permanently closed,” said Tommy Stann, the owner and operator of Hillsborough BBQ, in a release. “The continued support will be even more important during the typically slow restaurant months of January and February.”

Governor Roy Cooper recently moved North Carolina into a modified stay-at-home order, which requires restaurants to close by 10 p.m. and to stop serving alcohol by 9 p.m.

According to the National Restaurant Association, 61 percent of operators in North Carolina expect their sales to decrease over the next three months while only two percent expect to see an increase.

“We are making a plea to residents to order take out once or twice a week,” Matt Gladdek, Executive Director of the Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership, said. “With a firm take- out pledge, we strive to help restaurants survive and employees feed their families and pay their mortgage. Let us please work together and give back. Pledge to take out twice a week.”

For a list of restaurants in the area that are still open and able to be supported, click here.

 

 

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