Over the past week alone, restaurants have adjusted to a constantly changing landscape in response to the coronavirus. In just a short couple of days, they went from business as usual to enacting a number of safety measures from increasing space between tables to tripling cleaning efforts.

As safety concerns have escalated, New Jersey along with New York and Connecticut made the decision to close all restaurants and bars in hopes of slowing the spread of the coronavirus.

In response, some restaurants have closed their doors temporarily as they attempt to figure how to navigate this landscape, while others have begun to offer take out, curb side pick up, and delivery services. Restaurant owners are trying to not only adhere to the state’s safety concerns while keeping their customers and employees safe, but they’re also trying to stay afloat in a situation that shows no definitive ending.

The same restaurants, owners, servers, bartenders, and cooks that help us celebrate special occasions, family meals, or just a nightcap, are the same group of people that need their community’s help right now.

So enough of the doom and gloom. Here at Jersey Shore In Motion we love our restaurants because we love great food and we know you do too. With all the negative news out there, we wanted to share some things you can do to help out your favorite local restaurant(s).

Order some takeout!

With the run on grocery stores, you may not have been able to get a hold of every item on your list or maybe after being stuck in the house all day (possibly homeschooling and working from home), you deserve a much needed break. Many restaurants are offering family size meals that will feed your entire crew, while others are offering their tried and true menu to go. We’ve added a “Meals To Go category” to our website with any restaurant that has notified us that they’re now offering curbside pickup and even delivery in their surrounding areas. It is being updated DAILY!

Some restaurants have set up online ordering through their website, but most have not yet adapted so be sure to pick up the phone and give them a ring. (We’ve found it best to check out their social media accounts for the most up to date information). With either option, you’ll pay online or over the phone and they’ll be little to no interaction to keep both parties safe.

While many restaurants are offering free delivery, many others are also offering curbside pick up. Just let them know you’re coming and they’ll run your meal straight to your car!

Buy a gift card (or a few!)

Gift cards are like telling the restaurant that you believe in them and you’ll be there when their doors open again. It’s a small gesture that goes a long way to helping them receive some cash flow in a time when sales are a lot lower than usual. We suggest avoiding gift card websites because they often have hefty fees associated to their service. BUY DIRECT.

Buy some for yourself, buy some for future gifts, just go buy some!

Book a private party or event!

Looking to host a private dinner party this spring or summer? Why not ask your local restaurant to put one together. Again, it’s like telling them we have your back and who doesn’t want some good food after all of this craziness is over?

Pay it forward!

Maybe you’re not struggling to put food on the table, but many families are during this difficult time. Buy a meal for a neighbor, a friend, or someone you know who needs the extra help. You’ll be helping out everyone in the process.

The Jersey Shore is a community and we’ve been through difficult times before. We’ve banded together after Superstorm Sandy and countless other storms and this time is no different. Just because we’re social distancing ourselves, doesn’t mean we can’t support one another. We’re in this together and we don’t know about you, but we need all that delicious food (and drinks) when this is over!

Looking to see what some of our favorite restaurants are doing? Head over to our website to see what you can order up.

Stay safe, healthy, and full!