Americans' One Small Act Is Having a Dramatic Impact on the Restaurant Industry

The Wuhan coronavirus has hit the restaurant industry rather hard. Businesses are struggling to stay afloat. They want to protect their employees and customers while staying on top of their bills.

Small businesses, in particular, are feeling the impact of the virus that has taken a toll on the American economy. While the White House Coronavirus Task Force has continually reminded Americans to practice social distancing, something remarkable is happening: people across the country are ordering food from their favorite restaurants and fast food places.

On Tuesday, Americans across the nation participated in the Great American Take Out Day. The goal was to order food for pick up or delivery. This allowed people to follow "social distancing" protocols while keeping their favorite restaurants and fast food restaurants in business.

For the #GreatAmericanTakeout I went to Sneaky’s, a Sioux City staple since 1979. pic.twitter.com/Nbel0jrJcr
— J.D. Scholten (@JDScholten) March 24, 2020

It’s the #GreatAmericanTakeout so show your local restaurants some love with a take-out or delivery order today— they could really use our help! ?????? WATCH @ABC7 5:30am. #abc7eyewitness #COVID #CoronavirusPandemic pic.twitter.com/KB0EfsN6zY
— Marc Cota-Robles (@abc7marccr) March 24, 2020

Wife picking up some Arby’s and it looks like a few folks are enjoying the #GreatAmericanTakeout. pic.twitter.com/WLwOYNukXS
— Jonathan Maze (@jonathanmaze) March 24, 2020

I ended up partaking in the Great American Takeout Day without even trying. One of our local businesses had $6 huckleberry salmon plates (which I’ve been craving). Plus their GF mac & cheese is delicious. #GreatAmericanTakeout #SupportSmallBusinesses pic.twitter.com/qBEo8bQ6CP
— Beth Baumann (@eb454) March 25, 2020

Duck fat fried chicken & French fries...with banana pudding to go! Happy to support my girl @MasterChefTD and her @rootschknshak on #GreatAmericanTakeout day! Call in your order for pick up or delivery thru @Grubhub! pic.twitter.com/OjCu9qoeNg
— Kimberly Alexander (@TheKimAlexander) March 25, 2020

It is so important to support local businesses right now, so for the #GreatAmericanTakeout day I am posting about 2 local businesses I have recently supported: A&G Restaurant and Mario's Bar & Grill. Harry appreciates me eating from home as well #supportsmallbusiness pic.twitter.com/zEmac1dAP2
— Shannon (@mizsmth) March 25, 2020

The best part of the entire ordeal: political leaders on both sides of the aisle, as well as first responders, paid homage to their friends, family and neighbors.

Our FFs are thankful to local restaurants for remaining open for takeout & delivery.

Please continue to support our local restaurants by placing orders for takeout or delivery during the #GreatAmericanTakeout. Practice #SocialDistancing ??????? 6 ft. ??????? pic.twitter.com/V5u2g8pQxW
— LACoFD (@LACOFD) March 24, 2020

In order to support local restaurants and to make sure there is work for restaurant workers, whether they work for a locally owned business or chain, this Takeout Tuesday is also known as the Great American Takeout. #GreatAmericanTakeout pic.twitter.com/nyDlrCQgN4
— Rep. Robert Aderholt (@Robert_Aderholt) March 24, 2020

Ordered takeout for dinner last night from one of our favorite restaurants. Please remember to support your local businesses during this time. We’re all in this together. pic.twitter.com/Bn2QlxUfAf
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) March 23, 2020

Not everyone can afford to order out during this time. If you have the ability to do so, even if it's just one meal, please consider supporting the mom and pop businesses in your neighborhood. These men and women are trying to make a living just like the rest of us. Most of these businesses aren't looking at turning a profit right now. They're trying to live with this "new norm," even if it's for a short time. Most of them want to be able to pay their employees and overhead, if nothing else, to keep them afloat until the Wuhan coronavirus is gone.