Resources for Restaurants in Response to COVID-19

Programs offering digital gift cards

In these uncertain times, we understand that restaurants and other small businesses are struggling. You have all had to make drastic changes to your business models in the last week or so, and some of you have even made the difficult decision to close your doors completely for the time being. Our office is here to help, and we have gathered this list of resources that are offering digital platforms for gift cards free to restaurants during this time of need. If you already have a good platform that allows customers to purchase gift cards online, feel free to disregard this email.

Rally for Restaurants

Rally for Restaurants allows for direct gift card purchases for favorite eateries nationwide. this effort continues to gain momentum as the site directory quickly expands and other industry partners contribute to the program.  Find out more

Toast Now

Toast Now is an initiative that will provide any restaurant with free access to the Toast suite of products for 3 months while preserving profitability during this crisis (usually $100/month). This includes integrated Online Ordering, Delivery, Toast Take Out, and E-Gift Cards.  Find out more

Homebody

We have recently learned of a local Shopify page which has grown significantly from a few Charlottesville restaurants/breweries to now encompass four cities. If you are interested in learning more, contact Ian Solla Yates (by email at sollayates@gmail.com or by phone at (434) 227-6424).  View the page that Ian has created here: https://homebody-gift-certificates.myshopify.com/

Customers browse the page for businesses they’d like to support, purchase a gift card, and receive an e-receipt. Ian then forwards the order to the merchant and payment via PayPal, and finally the merchant delivers/mails/emails the physical gift card.