TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — The Tallahassee community is rallying to support local businesses by launching a "Rally for Tally" campaign.
"It's pretty simple," said Matt Thompson, managing partner for Table 51. "The only thing we want people to do is on March 21 come out and support local restaurants. Whether that be through curb-side pickup or pickup."
It's a movement that Thompson knows is something the community needs.
"I think the community is kind of the lifeline," Thompson said. "People work day in and out and fight with blood sweat and tears to make sure people have a good experience and have something to remember."
John Acevedo, who owns Riccardos, and Jeri Madden, the owner of Jeri's Midtown Cafe, are two of the many hospitality businesses in Tallahassee feeling the impacts of the coronavirus outbreak.
"We are all trying to scramble and put our heads together and keep our family businesses alive," said Acevedo.
Madden has had to lay off five employees.
As people take precautions and stay indoors, many restaurants are left trying to find new ways to keep their doors open.
Jeri's Midtown Cafe opened about a year ago, and the sudden slowdown in business is something Madden didn't expect.
"With all the catering and events that got canceled, and people not coming in, we've seen a steep decline in our sales," said Madden. "However, when we started curbside, that's kind of helped tie us over a little bit."
The Rally for Tally campaign means a lot to Acevedo, too.
"Anything that anyone can do to help us at this point is a plus," Acevedo said.
Acevedo's restaurant has been in business for about 20 years and he is not ready to see it go just yet.
"This is pretty much all I've ever done in life," said Acevedo.
Rally for Tally will take place on Saturday, March 21.
As of publication, the following businesses are participating:
Madison Social
Canopy Road Cafe
Gordos Northside
Jeri's Midtown Cafe
Riccardo's Restaurant
Habanas Boardwalk
Railroad Square Craft House
Tour of Italy Italian Kitchen, LLC
Businesses who would like to participate are asked to contact the campaign organizers through their Facebook page.
