Is any other business so visibly, remarkably altered? (photo by Chiru)
Will it be as bad as Tom Colicchio said, a (long) month ago? Maybe 75 percent of restaurants don’t make it?
Let’s hope not.
If you’re reading this, you are likely a supporter of your local places, as best you can. Many wine and spirits shops are doing OK right now. But carryout and delivery can’t come close to replacing the churn of revenue (and gratuities) bars and restaurants and their people require. We know this.
What can be done? Here are a few resources helping servers, chefs and somms (not to mention the restaurant owners, valet parkers, bus boys, dishwashers, and porters) to get through this difficult time. Cheers to restaurants reopening soon.
U.S. Bartenders Guild Charity Foundation Covid-19 Relief Fund: USBG was one of the first organizations to mobilize a response in March. Via their foundation, you can donate to support hospitality workers in need or you can apply to receive grant funds. Many local bartenders are even posting cocktail-making videos online raising money to support USBG relief.
United Sommeliers Foundation Relief Fund: Founded by several high level sommeliers and supported by many major wine brands and the Court of Master Sommeliers, this new foundation is offering funds to sommeliers in need. Donate or apply for assistance via their site.
James Beard Foundation Food and Beverage Industry Relief Fund: Marshaling a cadre of heavy corporate hitters, the JBF fund will provide assistance and micro-grants to small and independent restaurants.
#SupportOurWineries: If you’re looking for wines to buy online that can actively give back to California wineries, use and look for the social media hashtag #supportourwineries. There’s even a handy online page with participating houses for you to support.
For more donation options, try these wide-ranging national and regional resources:
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