A crucial movement is afoot across the region to help the hospitality industry stay afloat as the COVID-19 (coronavirus) crisis impacts Metro Vancouver.
On Friday, several local restaurants announced they'd teamed up in solidarity to implement Breaking Bread — a collective initiative that will find participating restaurants offering specially-priced menus during the current COVID-19 crisis.
So far, 23 restaurants have signed on, representing an array of cuisines and price points ($20, $30 and $40). Each restaurant has their own fixed price menu for Breaking Bread, much like the familiar Dine Out Vancouver event that takes place each winter.
First and foremost, the participating restaurants is offering their assurance that each establishment is going the extra mile to provide a safe, healthy and clean environment for dine-in customers. They will continue to implement all guidelines set out by such regulatory bodies as Vancouver Coastal Health, the World Health Organization and B.C. Centre for Disease Control.
The Breaking Bread menus will be available March 14 to 31. Some of the restaurants are also opting to donate a portion of the proceeds to initiatives that will support any staff that may be in need as a result of the COVID-19 crisis.
"We want people to understand that by supporting their favourite restaurants, they also support the people who depend on them — from chefs, cooks and servers to suppliers, farmers and delivery people. We’re all in it together," said James Iranzad, co-owner of Gooseneck Hospitality, which owns and operates Wildebeest, Bells and Whistles, Bufala (Kerrisdale and Edgemont) and Lucky Taco.
More restaurants will likely join the movement, so you'll want to bookmark the Breaking Bread website to see newly-added menus and restaurants. For now, here are the 23 restaurants on board for the launch:
- Ask For Luigi
- Beetbox
- Belgard Kitchen
- Bells and Whistles
- Bufala Kerrisdale
- Bufala Edgemont
- Café Medina
- Di Beppe
- Farina a Legna
- Havana
- Heritage Asian Eatery (Broadway)
- Heritage Asian Eatery (Pender)
- Juke Fried Chicken
- L’Abattoir
- Lucky Taco
- Nuba Kitsilano
- Nuba Gastown
- Nuba Mt. Pleasant
- Nuba Yaletown
- Origo Club
- Pourhouse
- Tuc
- Wildebeest
Further, should things change in B.C. and/or Metro Vancouver when it comes to government protocols and recommendations for operations, the restaurants will adapt immediately and follow those directions.
If you can't go in and dine at these, or any of your favourite local restaurants, consider the other ways you can support them, if you can afford to do so, right now. We've got some suggestions for what you can do, including without leaving your own home, right here.
