Take Out Thursdays Returns To Downtown Vineland
Take Out Thursdays, a Main Street Vineland program to help restaurants on Landis Avenue—The Ave—during the COVID crisis returns on February 11.
Taste Buds, at 22 W. Landis Ave., will be the featured restaurant that first week, in a program that encourages the public to get a take-out meal—lunch or dinner—to help restaurants weather the COVID crisis during a time of reduced dining capacity.
Restaurants featured during the remainder of the month will be Vegans Are Us, 636 E. Landis Ave., on February 18, and Landis Pig Roast, 623 E. Landis Ave., on February 25. Featured restaurants for future months will be announced. People are urged to check Main Street Vineland’s Facebook page every week for the week’s featured restaurant with its phone number, hours, and menu.
The program originally started last April, when the COVID pandemic was starting take hold and those restaurants that were open had curtailed their indoor dining.
“It was a program that served two purposes,” said Main Street Vineland Executive Director Russell Swanson.
“It was our way of helping to drive foot traffic into the restaurants at a time when they needed it the most. Wining and dining were out of the question, or even sitting down for quick meal. It was left to take outs and pick-up and delivery to drive business. We wanted to help get feet into the doors of our downtown restaurants and help maintain a stable business environment for them,” Swanson said.
Providing opportunities to discover—or rediscover—The Ave’s variety of restaurants that serve genuine ethnic cuisine was the other purpose, Swanson said. These restaurants do not serve faux ethnic food—out of a box or a can. It is authentic ethnic cuisine—made like you would get at home. We are proud of the variety of restaurants we have and it was an opportunity to show them off.
The COVID crisis is not over and we are far from being out of the woods yet. That, and the great popularity of the program last year are reasons why it is being brought back” said Main Street Vineland Associate Director Robert Scarpa.
“Restaurants are still hurting, despite limited indoor dining. That impacts everyone—from the owners, to the kitchen staff, to the waitstaff, to the bus staff. Workers are laid off and those still working take a hit. Customers’ continued patronage and support mean a lot and can keep the restaurants afloat,” Scarpa said. “While you’re at it, tip generously. It shows that you care and puts that much more money in the pockets of these hard-working people who need it. Enjoy great food and help a worthy cause.”
For more information on all Main Street Vineland events, call their office at 856-794-8653, or visit their website—www.TheAve.biz—or their Facebook page.
