Restaurant gift cards could save your favourite eatery this holiday season

Local restaurants put a lot of love into the food they dish out for us, so let’s serve up a piping hot, metaphorical plate of love right back, even if we can’t celebrate with them in style like we normally would this holiday season.

As COVID-19 cases climb in most provinces across Canada and around the globe and we reluctantly accept that patio season is coming to a close (unless you’re talking year-round heated patios, but only a few are so lucky), we have got to support our local restaurants, cafes, bakeries, breweries, distilleries, wineries, and pubs, now more than ever.

Not only are many Canadian establishments operating under a limited capacity and reduced hours to abide by provincial health orders to keep us safe, but on top of that, group dining, restaurant buyouts, and larger holiday parties are just simply not a thing this year, and that’s a big deal when it comes to an establishment’s bottom line during the colder months.

So if you’re thinking of slipping a $20 bill or two into a card this season, think about skipping the cash gift and buying a gift card to a local restaurant as an alternative.

A little goes a long way here, and even if you’re not into dining in right away, the promise of a future visit to these spots is a win-win on both ends, for the restaurant and the patron.

And at this point, so many restaurants have pivoted to offer curbside pickup, takeout, and delivery that anyone with a gift card has plenty of options if they are keen to grab and go as well.

This holiday season is going to be a weird one, but we want to make sure we do our best to help our local spots get through this storm.

We urge you to consider a restaurant gift card as an important present as well, one you can use for good times and deliciousness down the road.