Takeout Week, Employee Relief Funds Support Alexandria Eateries

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Amid the new coronavirus outbreak, Gov. Ralph Northam's executive order forced restaurants to close dining rooms and offer only takeout and delivery service through April 23. As restaurants closed or limited operations, there are a number of ways to support the restaurants and their employees during this time.

The Virginia Tourism Corporation and Virginia Restaurant, Lodging, and Travel Association is rallying support for restaurants with Restaurant Lovers Takeout Week from Monday, March 30 to Sunday, April 5. Customers are encouraged to order takeout, delivery, or curbside pickup from restaurants throughout the week. Visit Alexandria has compiled a list of at least 90 restaurants that have adapted to takeout or delivery.

Whether restaurants are closed or limiting service, customers can support employees through relief funds and gift card purchases. Alexandria Restaurant Partners, which runs seven restaurants in the city, is giving 50 percent of gift card purchases to its employee relief fund. HomeGrown Restaurant Group, the group behind, Pork Barrel BBQ, the sushi bar, Holy Cow, Sweet Fire Donna's, Tequila & Taco, and Whiskey & Oyster, has a GoFundMe page for its employees. Neighborhood Restaurant Group, which runs Evening Star Cafe, Columbia Firehouse, Vermilion, Buzz Bakeshop and Rustico, also has a GoFundMe page.

Let us know in the comments about other employee relief funds that Alexandria residents can support.

City government has taken a few actions so far to aid businesses during the coronavirus situation. On March 24, City Council voted to extend meal tax payments with no penalties or interest. Payments won't be due until June 30, after which businesses can repay over 12 months. The same extension was granted for the city's hotel tax.

Effective March 19, the city also suspended enforcement of some regulations allowing businesses flexibility to focus on takeout and delivery. All restaurants can provide pick-up and delivery service, and off-premises alcohol sales and delivery can happen with the appropriate Virginia ABC licensing. Restaurants may also vend on adjacent sidewalks or parking lots. The city also suspended enforcement of restrictions on operating hours for restaurants, convenience stores, catering businesses and gas stations.

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