Sydney, Australia, 12 May 2020: As part of the recently launched #EatAloneTogether campaign, Restaurant & Catering Association of Australia (R&CA) with industry support partner with Unilever Food Solutions Australia (UFS), have declared next Tuesday, 19 May as National Takeaway Day - a movement designed to support local restaurants and cafés during COVID-19.
Both companies, their partners, and famous media personalities, are encouraging the Australian public to show support for the movement by ordering a meal from their favourite local restaurant or café next Tuesday. To drive widespread support for the movement, R&CA and UFS are calling on Australians to invite their family and friends to a virtual or small dinner party at their homes*, and share their experience by posting photos and videos of their experience on social media, using the #EatAloneTogether hashtag, and tagging the venue they’re dining from.
Restaurants are also invited to join the movement by promoting #EatAloneTogether and encouraging their customers and local community to order a meal from their menu next Tuesday, 19 of May.
According to Food Industry Foresight COVID19 Bulletin, of the 55% of Cafes/Restaurants who have remained open 84% have reported a significant decline in revenue. COVID-19 has hit the hospitality and food service industry hard, with many businesses significantly impacted by public mandates to close dine-in service and only serve takeaway and delivery service, in a national effort to flatten the COVID-19 curve.
Wes Lambert, CEO of Restaurant & Catering Association of Australia said, “Takeaway Tuesday is the next evolution of #EatAloneTogether. We want Australians to make a conscious effort to support their local restaurant and share their fantastic experience on social media. Restaurants need your support now more than ever and we’re encouraging diners across Australia to take part in Takeaway Tuesday next week.”
Yezdi Daruwalla, Managing Director Unilever Food Solutions, Australia & New Zealand said, “Aussies around the country haven’t stopped yearning for the delicious food, positive experiences, and sense of community that our local restaurants and cafés provide. Through National Takeaway Day, we want to save this vital part of our economy and culture, while staying vigilant to defeat COVID-19 together.”
Some of Australia’s leading restaurant chains have already joined #EatAloneTogether and urge Australians show their support of the restaurant Industry. John Alexander Executive Chef of Hog’s Breath Café said, “This is a great initiative - not just for Hog’s, but across the hospitality world. The call to action is simple - support your local stores, bistros and cafés on National Takeaway Tuesday so we can get back to business.
I urge customers to make the effort to pick up their meals –it’s a great way to show that extra bit of support to the restaurant.”
About Unilever Food Solutions
Unilever Food Solutions (UFS) is the dedicated foodservice business of Unilever, providing high-quality professional food ingredients and services created by chefs, for chefs. unileverfoodsolutions.com.au
*Disclaimer: R&CA, Unilever Food Solutions and all associated chain accounts support the Federal Government's guidance around social distancing, and we advise all Australians to follow the rules on essential gatherings set out by the Department of Health and specific to their State. For more information see