Virginia is for takeout

Some people are testing out their baking skills during the coronavirus outbreak, while others are existing on Cheetos and M&Ms on the couch. The state’s restaurants want Virginians to remember that many eateries are still open for service, albeit in a different way than before, focusing on pickup and delivered provisions instead of dining in.

The Virginia Tourism Corp. and the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association have launched Virginia Is for Restaurant Lovers Takeout Week, running Monday, March 30 through Sunday, April 5. Unlike a regular restaurant week, the goal of this event is to order takeout, delivery or curbside pickup from restaurants — many of which have seen revenue fall dramatically in March.

Virginia Tourism also is selling limited-edition “Virginia is for Restaurant Lovers” T-shirts, with a portion of proceeds donated to local relief efforts for food service workers.

“Virginia’s restaurant industry has been hit especially hard during this time,” Eric Terry, VRLTA’s president, said in a statement. “Restaurants are so vital to our economy, and we encourage those who can afford to do so, to continue to help out these establishments that have helped to put Virginia on the map.”

Takeout week is still in effect in spite of Gov. Ralph Northam’s stay-at-home order Monday, March 30. Under the order, restaurants can remain open as long as no more than 10 people gather in a space. Many restaurants began closing their dining rooms early in March to avoid spread of the virus; many have changed their business models and made major cuts in staffing. Others have closed indefinitely.

In the meantime, groups have sprung up on Facebook and elsewhere to let restaurants share menus, their new hours and other information to customers who want to support them in their time of hardship.

In Richmond, RVA Dine – Take Out and Delivery Options keeps members informed about which restaurants are open and about relief funds for unemployed workers.

The Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington website updates takeout and delivery options in the Washington, D.C., area.

If you know of any other social media groups or websites that provide takeout and delivery information for Virginia’s restaurants, let us know and we will include a link.