A new initiative launches today to support restaurants in the Halifax region impacted by COVID-19.
April 1, 2020 – Halifax, Nova Scotia: A new initiative launches today to support restaurants in the Halifax region impacted by COVID-19. Dine & Stay Home is a coordinated social media and online effort between various partners, including Discover Halifax and the Restaurant Association of Nova Scotia (RANS) who initiated the program. The program invites people who are able to do so to support their favourite eateries in a safe manner, while practicing social distancing.
“Many organizations across the Halifax region were compiling lists of restaurants that continue to offer pick-up and delivery, and we knew we could help get the word out to more people by working together,” said Ross Jefferson, President and CEO of Discover Halifax, a non-profit destination marketing organization. “The hospitality industry is vital to our tourism economy, and we’re proud to do whatever we can to support these local business owners who do so much for our visitors and community”.
COVID-19 is having a significant impact on the tourism and hospitality industry, including food and beverage establishments that have been forced to temporarily close or lay-off workers. Some restaurants have been quick to innovate and offer take-out and delivery options. They are following public health requirements regarding social distancing and offering contactless delivery and curbside pick-up. As of March 30th, restaurants can now include alcohol purchases with food orders, if they meet certain restrictions.
“We know this is a difficult time for many, but we are encouraging those that can, to order pick-up or delivery from their favourite local restaurant”, says Gordon Stewart, Executive Director of the Restaurant Association of Nova Scotia. “If everyone was able to place even one order, it would go a long way in supporting restaurants, many of which are small, family-run operations.”
Associations that have compiled a list of restaurants offering delivery and/or pick up options, and restaurants that are offering these services can access a common Dine & Stay Home graphic at discoverhalifaxns.com/about-dine-and-stay-home/ to share on their website or social media channels.
The program also offers suggestions to consumers on how they can support local restaurants, even if they can’t order pick-up and delivery.
- Follow your favourite local restaurants on social media and share their information.
- Share photos of your pick-up or delivery. Tag the restaurant and use the hashtags #dineandstayhome and #supportlocaleats
- Like and comment on photos of your favourite places. Send uplifting messages of support and consider writing your favourite restaurant a positive review.
- Sign up for restaurant e-newsletters, lookout for special promotions, and share them with your friends and family!
The goal of the program is to also include breweries and farmer’s markets that are offering social distancing pick-up and delivery options. To find out how your restaurant or business can take part, contact Kasey Connely at Discover Halifax: kconnely@discoverhalifaxns.com.
Visit discoverhalifaxns.com/about-dine-and-stay-home/ to see the partnering organizations that have complied lists of open restaurants.
Download Shareable Graphics:
Partners: platform.crowdriff.com/m/s-nD0fiqJSLfr0Ar4R
Restaurants: platform.crowdriff.com/m/s-EEY6WzgflJbNbIrD
Consumers: platform.crowdriff.com/m/s-q0H3SE_6Ris8nr9v
Social Media Information:
Follow Dine & Stay Home on Instagram: @dinearoundhfx.
Program Hashtags: #dineandstayhome and #supportlocaleats.
Look for posts by local organizations that include the Dine & Stay Home logo to find resources and information about restaurant offerings.
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About Discover Halifax
Discover Halifax is non-profit, membership-based marketing and sales organization in partnership with the Halifax regional government, the Hotel Association of Nova Scotia and participating industry members. Since its inception in 2002, Discover Halifax’s goal is to promote Halifax as a destination of choice for leisure and business travelers.
Halifax welcomes 5.3 million overnight stays each year, who spend over $1 billion. Halifax alone represents over 54% of all visitation to Nova Scotia, and 34,000 people are employed in the tourism industry.
About Restaurant Association of Nova Scotia
The Restaurant Association of Nova Scotia (RANS), is a non-profit association that has successfully represented the food and beverage sector since 1947. RANS continuously makes a positive impact for the restaurant industry through advocacy, education, partnerships & promotion.
A permanent office and staff maintain the association which represents and supports approximately 1,550 operators with over 33,000 employees in Nova Scotia.
RANS Contact:
Natasha Chestnut
Association & Marketing Administrator
Restaurant Association of Nova Scotia
natasha@rans.ca
902-429-5343 ext.1
Media Contact:
Monica MacLean
Communications Director
Discover Halifax
mmaclean@discoverhalifaxns.com
902-401-2308