BLOG: Times Are Complex, But Our Restaurants are Still There for You

No dine-in and take-out only signs are plastered all over county restaurant doors. Governor Larry Hogan ordered the closure of bars and restaurants and the prohibition on gatherings of more than 50 people in an effort to curtail the community spread of COVID-19.

The Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce (GGCC) has launched a restaurant directory designed to promote take out, pick up, and food delivery options in the Upcounty of Montgomery County.

There is no better day to launch than on “Great American Takeout Day”. A national initiative calling on everyone in the nation to order out. The push comes as the restaurant industry struggles with the coronavirus pandemic.

“We want to make sure our restaurants survive,” said Marilyn Balcombe, GGCC President / CEO. “If we want them around after this crisis, we need to support them now”

The National Restaurant Association reported that the industry could lose nearly half of its 15.6 million workers and a quarter of annual sales during the COVID-19 crisis. You can help turn the tables by thinking globally and acting locally to support favorite restaurants by:
• Ordering takeout or delivery
• Purchasing gift cards
• Signing a petition
• Directly donating funds

Maryland restaurants can still offer takeout service. Yes, it’s simple, safe, and secure. We encourage you to pick-up or order-in food from your favorite local restaurants, cafes, bakery’s, and caterers to help them weather the impacts of COVID-19.

You can enjoy their delicious food – and beer and wine to go – while social distancing. Please note restaurants may have modified hours and availability – you can check their websites or look for them on your favorite food delivery or social media apps. For takeout orders or more information, we recommend calling them beforehand.

View the directories:
Chamber Member Restaurant Directory
Gaithersburg Restaurant Directory
Germantown Restaurant Directory

Please continue supporting local restaurants and industry employees by ordering takeout regularly in future. And post about it on social media to increase awareness.

The GGCC is active in providing business-to-business networking opportunities throughout the year: a collective voice in local, regional, and state legislative affairs, professional development opportunities and other services that enhance the business environment.

About Laura Rowles

Laura authors the blog Your Success is Our Business on MyMCMedia. Laura is the Director of Events & Marketing for the Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce - a member-based organization of businesses that have joined together for the purpose of promoting the civic, commercial and industrial progress in our communities. The area's economic well-being is a result of the caliber of work that is done by the Chamber. The Chamber has a major impact on business, income and future growth of the area. My position at the Chamber - Director of Events & Marketing - affords me the opportunity to plan quality events for our Members and market the Chamber is a variety of avenues. At the GGCC, we typically have around 30 events each year including: breakfasts, lunches, after-five's, ribbon cuttings and special events. The consensus is we have high quality events with good energy. In 2012, we had over 2,040 people visit our events. Most our events are free to Members so securing sponsorships for all events. Additionally, I am responsible for planning networking, overseeing the budget and marketing of all events in order to make them successful. Lastly, I coordinate all marketing and communication efforts of the GGCC including weekly email blasts, its quarterly newsletter, all social media platforms, media relations and community outreach.

View all posts by Laura Rowles