ST. PETERSBURG, Florida (March 18, 2020) – Amid the current pandemic and pending economic downturn, local civic and business leaders are uniting to support St. Pete’s hospitality industry. On Friday, March 20 and March 27, St. Pete business owners have committed to purchasing 500 meals for their remote and on-site employees.
Modern Business Associates, The Greater St. Petersburg Area Economic Development Corporation (EDC), and the St. Petersburg Chamber are among several community organizations asking the public to join them in support of St. Pete’s local restaurants by placing bulk carry out orders to support St. Pete’s small businesses as they work to overcome the current COVID-19 circumstances that is limiting their ability to operate.
Positive Community Impact
Spearheaded by St. Pete resident Brady Diggs, who works for St. Pete-based employer Modern Business Associates, the #CarryOutStPete movement intends to provide some financial relief for the local restaurant industry.
“We want local restaurants and hospitality groups -the same ones who have sponsored our fundraising events and our t-ball teams- to know that we support them,” Diggs said. “It is our duty as business leaders to come to their aid when they need us most.”
The mission of #CarryOutStPete is to provide a stimulus to businesses, particularly those located in downtown St. Pete, as well as to provide a morale boost to employees of companies who are taking part in the movement.
“We have CEOs of companies who are utilizing food delivery services to deliver their work family warm meals,” Diggs added. “This act is improving morale for the employee, the employer, and the restaurant, and it’s a beautiful thing to see.”
The St Pete Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Corporation, and St Pete Greenhouse were quick to join in on this initiative.
“It is incredibly important that we band together to show our support of local businesses during this time of uncertainty,” J.P. DuBuque, President and CEO of the EDC said. “The EDC is proud to join Brady, MBA and the Chamber in this effort, and I am confident that local industry leaders will be quick to join us.”
Get Involved
Despite the 500 meals already committed to being purchased by local business leaders, there is still plenty room to get involved. The #CarryOutStPete cohort is asking local employers, residents, and vacationers to step up and join in the effort this Friday, March 20t and next Friday, March 27. For a full list of local restaurants and carry out menus, visit https://web.stpete.com/Restaurants-Food-Beverages.
