The restaurant industry has been particularly hard-hit by the Wuhan coronavirus. Most have had to close up their dining rooms and move to take out or delivery. Some have shut their doors completely.
The Trump campaign decided to step in and support local restaurants in some of the country's hardest-hit areas, including New York City, New Jersey, Washington State and Michigan. The campaign placed large orders and then had them delivered to nearby hospitals, Fox News reported. The goal was simple: pay a small "thank you" to the men and women on the frontlines of the Wuhan coronavirus outbreak.
“They’re doing it as a donor who cares,” one source told Fox News. “So nothing politically is tied to it. ... We’re just trying to, you know, show a thank you.”
So far, the Trump campaign has spent tens of thousands of dollars on the effort, with plans to expand in the coming weeks.
Some of the restaurants and hospitals include:
- Giovanni’s Italian Deli in Secaucus, New Jersey delivered to Hudson Regional Hospital.
- Nick’s Grill in Kirkland, Washington.
- Chit Chat Diner in Morristown, New Jersey delivered to Hackensack Hospital.
- Turning Point in Long Branch, New Jersey.
- Antonio’s Trattoria in the Bronx, New York delivered to Lincoln Hospital.
"They only told us their first name,” an employee of Giovanni’s told Fox News on Thursday. “They called us, and they had us donate meals for the nurses and doctors — an assortment of things, 40 platters of pasta, salads, sandwiches. We’re happy to do it. Trust me.”
A manager at Antonio’s Trattoria said a man called and ordered 100 individual orders. The campaign official only gave his first name.
“It was 20 penne vodkas, 20 pastas with tomato sauce, 30 chicken parmesans, and 30 house salads with grilled chicken,” the manager told Fox News. “He only gave his first name and said he wanted to remain anonymous.”
Chit Chat Diner shared a picture of the anonymous donation on their Instagram account: