PRESS RELEASE: TORONTO RESTAURANTS LAUNCHES #SHARETHELOVETO CAMPAIGN TO SUPPORT LOCAL HOSPITALITY BUSINESSES FACING NEW COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS

Toronto , ON, December 23, 2021.  The restaurant industry has been dealt yet another devastating blow. After more than a year and a half of lockdowns; scrapping, adapting and launching entire business models; reconfiguring everything from menus to indoor and outdoor spaces, the provincial government introduced a 50 per cent capacity limit in addition to other restrictions, set to commence Sunday December 19, 2021.

Simultaneously, as a result of rising COVID-19 cases due to the Omicron variant, several establishments have temporarily closed indoor dining for the holidays, one of the busiest times of year, while others shut down operations entirely until the new year.

The loss of business, not to mention uncertainty, restaurants, bars, breweries, bistros, cafes, bottle shops and other food and drink establishments face this winter is staggering, even with new supports in place. The bottom line: The majority of businesses will be largely relying on takeout and delivery models again this winter.

As with previous restrictions and extensive lockdowns, the public can support these establishments with takeout and delivery orders, purchasing gift cards, merchandise, and other products.

#ShareTheLoveTO Campaign

One of the most powerful aids to businesses throughout the pandemic: online support. Thus the launch of Toronto Restaurants ‘#ShareTheLoveTO’ Campaign, a new initiative to help the hospitality industry keep doors open this winter.

A welcome alternative to overblown, hackneyed ‘Best Of’ lists often published at this time of year featuring the same popular establishments time and again, food-lovers get the opportunity to shout out their favourite spots in this fun, dynamic series featuring a wide array of cuisines and venues cross Toronto and the GTA.

As revealed each week in the iconic OPEN/CLOSED - THE most comprehensive resource of restaurant openings (virtual/brick-and-mortar/popups/allll the things) in Toronto/GTA - the pandemic has produced an unprecedented amount of new arrivals. With 100+ new destinations every month, that leaves many businesses yet to be discovered. This campaign also allows for time-honoured spots and mom-and-pop shops to get the spotlight and be discovered even if the businesses themselves don’t have websites and/or social media profiles.

It allows for a more even playing field, as the public can show their love and support for not just one destination, but numerous (because who has just one favourite anything these days?) old and new spots, as well as places outside the downtown core including Mississauga, Etobicoke, Oakville, Scarborough, Markham, North York, Richmond Hill, Thornhill, East York, and all the neighbourhoods around and in between - not just buzzy, pricey, downtown destinations that often dominate said lists. The campaign also gives people who can’t afford to support businesses financially this season to share the love.

To participate: 

1. Follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram: @torontorestaurants.co and/or Facebook: @torontorestarantsco

2. A type of establishment will be posted daily – coffee shop, Mexican restaurant, etc.

3. Tag your favourite businesses in the comments section of #ShareTheLoveTO posts on Toronto Restaurants Instagram and Facebook profiles. Note: Establishments temporarily closed can be tagged in posts.

4. Pay it forward. Spread the word. Share the campaign and posts with others so they can show their love and support for their favourites and introduce new and time-honoured businesses to others.

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About Toronto Restaurants

No one does it like this.

Toronto Restaurants is a one-person news outlet by industry expert and journalist Stephanie Dickison. The number one trusted source for the latest Toronto/GTA restaurant news is unique for many reasons, including:

- The only female-owned and operated restaurant news company of its kind in the 6ix
- A dedicated following of both public and industry
- Home of the iconic OPEN/CLOSED, THE most comprehensive resource of restaurant openings and food/drink news in the city
- Regular features including acclaimed chef series At The Pass
- Celebrity column At The Table featuring interviews with celebrities including Bill Pullman and Meghan Markle about their love of food, in addition to renowned chefs such as Daniel Boulud, Curtis Stone, and Jonathan Waxman.

Toronto Restaurants - Bigger and better than anyone else in the city. You’ll see.

About Stephanie Dickison

Stephanie Dickison has been writing about and advocating for the industry throughout her career. A champion of amplifying the voices of women, BIPOC, LGBTQ+ and the people and places who remain underserved by mainstream media and behemoth outlets, during the pandemic she created The #TAKEOUTTORONTO #DELIVERYTORONTO Project and launched a Petition to Cap All Third-Party Delivery App Fees.

Want to book industry expert and journalist Stephanie Dickison for TV, radio, print and podcast about the state of the industry and other related topics? Get in touch.

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