Restaurants, bars, and the workers who keep them going have been hit especially hard by the current situation, with restaurants and bars being closed across the state. 

So many people are coming up with creative ways to help service industry workers. 

Here are some ways to help. It’s a way of throwing a lifeline to workers whose income has been affected, and also a way to help your favorite restaurant or bar survive.

Some of these items are one-time events, and some are ongoing programs. We’ll add to the list as we learn about more opportunities to help.

Virtual Songwriter’s Round for the Evening Muse

Local songwriter Dane Page will be (virtually) joined by four other Charlotte songwriters, Sam Tayloe of Time Sawyer, Ross Adams, Alexa Jenson and George Banda for this live streamed show on Sunday, March 22nd, 2020, at 7 p.m. Listen to some great music on Facebook Live and donate to The Evening Muse, the local venue that hosts so much great music all year.

You’ll find links to the streams in the Facebook event on Sunday evening. Donate to The Evening Muse by Venmo at @eveningmuse. If this was a show at the Muse it would cost $10, but any amount is appreciated. We wrote more about it here.

Support Local or Else

Support Local or Else is a Charlotte website where local businesses can upload one deal. Tons have added deals, including gift card discounts, delivery deals and much more. We wrote more about it here.

Free Lunch for Restaurant and Bar Workers

Hearts Beat as One Foundation and Your Custom Catering & Events have teamed up to provide a free lunch to bar and restaurant workers who have lost their jobs or have had hours cut back. Workers can pick up a to-go lunch Monday through Saturday, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., next to Johnny Fly in NoDa, at 519 E. 36th Street. The Facebook event is currently scheduled through March 28th. We wrote more about here, including how you can donate and volunteer.

Service Industry Tips

Service Industry Tips is a nationwide website that serves Charlotte as well as many other cities. The way it works is simple. Any time you have a drink at home (I’ll add: any time you have a meal at home too) refresh the website, and you’ll see the name of a randomly selected local service industry worker, as well as the establishment where the worker works, and their Venmo account. Here’s Service Industry Tip’s Charlotte page.

Buy a Gift Card or Order Takeout or Delivery

Many restaurants are still open for takeout or delivery. Too many to list. So just think of your favorite restaurant, check their website to see if they’re open, and order. Or look on their website to see if they sell gift cards. Consider buying several gift cards for future use!

Play Virtual Trivia

Trivia is still going on in the Queen City, but it’s moved online! Go to one of these Virtual Trivia Nights. They’re free to play and you can get a brewery gift card for playing, but you’ll also have the opportunity to tip a bartender at the featured brewery.