A coalition of restaurants including Panera Bread, Noodles & Company, Veggie Grill, El Torito, Jason’s Deli, The Habit Burger Grill, Lemonade, Modern Market, and Chevys Fresh Mex is asking Americans to participate in The Great American Takeout on Tuesday, March 24.  During The Great American Takeout, people are encouraged to order at least one delivery or pick-up meal to show support for the struggling restaurant community.
The coronavirus poses an existential threat to a sector of the economy that employs more than 15 million Americans. Because dine-in meals are no longer being served at most restaurants, delivery and pick-up are the only ways to support these struggling businesses. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration, there is little evidence that COVID-19 can be transmitted through food or packaging. 
“This is no longer about the survival of individual restaurants,” said Russ Bendel, CEO of The Habit Burger Grill. “It’s about the future of our industry. And time has run out. Together, we must act to support each other and our communities in unprecedented ways.”
To participate in The Great American Takeout, Americans are being asked to:
1.  Post on social media in advance of the event, encouraging friends and followers to take part in #thegreatamericantakeout. 2.  Engage friends, family, and colleagues to support their local restaurants by ordering takeout meals.
3.  Order delivery or pick-up for at least one meal on March 24, sharing photos on social media tagged with #thegreatamericantakeout.
After The Great American Takeout, Americans are encouraged to continue supporting local restaurants and industry employees by ordering takeout regularly throughout the weeks and months ahead.