New Jersey food blogger and cookbook author Deborah Smith has created a searchable database for restaurant takeout and delivery on her blog JerseyBites.com.
When we asked what inspired her to launch the Takeout Finder, she replied, “For 13 years we have been writing about the food industry and restaurants in New Jersey. I wanted to find a way to show our support, help them get exposure and at the end of the day make money during quarantine.”
Normally, Smith’s blog would be publishing restaurant reviews, chef interviews and promoting food events in New Jersey. However, since the closing of dine-in service in New Jersey and mandated self-distancing, the publication pivoted to sharing more timely articles aimed at the issues residents of New Jersey were concerned about in the moment like finding supplies and food while staying safe.
“When we decided to reopen our 3 New Jersey locations, we were thrilled to find a free resource to help us get the word out,” B2 Bistro + Bar’s Managing Partner Stephen Valentine commented. “Every little bit helps. Deborah has been very generous in offering her website and social media reach to help our industry during this trying time.”
Restaurants, coffee shops even breweries and gourmet stores can add their takeout and delivery information to the free Takeout Finder by clicking here. Customers can also use the link to search for takeout in their county, town or distance from their home.
Many restaurants quickly put together an online ordering system when they discovered that this would be the only way they could ramp up takeout business. The takeout finder provides a direct link to the restaurant’s online order page for seamless transactions. If the business does not offer online ordering, they can provide a link to their menu and phone number for quick reference.
“Even after reopening, restaurants and breweries will have limited capacity. I think we are going to be depending on takeout for quite a while,” Smith commented. “I hope they take advantage of this free platform and I hope customers start to rely on it for the latest news on restaurants who are open for business.”
Ms. Smith is asking everyone to share this tool with their favorite restaurants doing takeout and urge them to submit their information and include links to online ordering and hours of operation. “Our Takeout Finder will become more and more valuable to consumers as it grows. Restaurants should encourage other food and beverage establishments in their town to take part. This is one of those instances where bigger is definitely better.”
Follow Jersey Bites on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter and subscribe to their newsletter for the latest food related stories and events (when allowed) in New Jersey. Deborah Smith is the author of The Jersey Shore Cookbook, a collection of 50 recipes from 50 restaurants from Keyport to Cape May, New Jersey.
