Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 17, 2020
Media Contacts:
|
Emily Daunt
Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (517) 377-3933 |
Leslie Pardo/Michael Odom
Marx Layne & Company (248)563-7213 |
MRLA URGES PUBLIC SUPPORT OF THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY
WITH GIFT CARD PURCHASES, CARRYOUT ORDERS, STAYCATIONS
Revenue from gift card sales, carryout and vacations critical for restaurants and hotels during pandemic
WITH GIFT CARD PURCHASES, CARRYOUT ORDERS, STAYCATIONS
Revenue from gift card sales, carryout and vacations critical for restaurants and hotels during pandemic
LANSING, MICH. – The Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (MRLA) today issued a call to action for all Michigan residents to support the hospitality industry by purchasing gift cards, placing carryout orders and taking staycations. Gift card purchases from a local restaurant provides immediate revenue to keep a business operating. Carryout helps cover food and labor costs. Staycations increase hotel occupancy with a convenient in-state getaway.
“While we continue to strongly advocate for elected leaders in Washington D.C. and Lansing to pass a meaningful stimulus package, we know our neighbors across the state also can help the industry by patronizing their local restaurants and hotels during the holiday season and in the coming months,” said Justin Winslow, President & CEO of the MRLA.
In addition to carryout, cocktails-to-go and gift card purchases, customers can support restaurants by bringing the dining experience home during the holidays. Order a full meal, holiday hors d’oeuvres or dessert prepared by your favorite restaurant. Options available at area restaurants and hotels include prepared family-style holiday catering menus for groups of two, four and more as well as pre-packaged ingredients with instructions for cooking a holiday meal at home. For families that live near one another, consider ordering a large feast and splitting it up among different households to share the same dining experience from the comfort of home.
"During this season of giving, please consider supporting restaurants and other hospitality business and employees,” said Billy Downs, owner/operator of Ford’s Garage in Dearborn. “The industry has been crushed during this pandemic and the purchase of carry-out meals and gift cards NOW will help save Michigan businesses and industry jobs in the coming months. Also, if you personally know a hospitality worker, please consider blessing them in some kind of way this holiday season!"
Patrons can support hotels by planning future vacations. Reserving a staycation is a wonderful way to support hotels and enjoy the luxury of a getaway close to home. Enhance the stay with in-room holiday dining. In place of cooking at home, book a hotel dining suite for a luxe private meal cooked by professionals with contactless service. Close family, newlyweds and new parents would appreciate the gift of an overnight stay. Ring in 2021 in style with a new year’s eve restaurant and hotel package.
“There are unique hotel packages, promotions and experiences available around the state for those seeking a fun and safe getaway from their home,” said Peter Beukema, CEO of Suburban Inns and MRLA board member. “To support Michigan hotels, guests utilizing the advance purchase rate discounts for the holidays and future summer vacations provides vital revenue for hotels in our state.”
Since the start of the pandemic, more than 2,000 restaurants have permanently closed in Michigan. As of mid-September, two-thirds of hotels were operating with less than 50 percent capacity, and currently, 63 percent of hotels have less than half of their typical staff working full-time.
Consumers can visit carryoutmichigan.com and find restaurants in their area—throughout the state of Michigan—by entering an address or selecting a specific cuisine. A list of restaurants based on the user’s location proximity is generated. Each restaurant listing indicates the type of cuisine offered; price range; delivery, pick-up, or curbside options; as well as menu, directions and hours of operation.
“While we continue to strongly advocate for elected leaders in Washington D.C. and Lansing to pass a meaningful stimulus package, we know our neighbors across the state also can help the industry by patronizing their local restaurants and hotels during the holiday season and in the coming months,” said Justin Winslow, President & CEO of the MRLA.
In addition to carryout, cocktails-to-go and gift card purchases, customers can support restaurants by bringing the dining experience home during the holidays. Order a full meal, holiday hors d’oeuvres or dessert prepared by your favorite restaurant. Options available at area restaurants and hotels include prepared family-style holiday catering menus for groups of two, four and more as well as pre-packaged ingredients with instructions for cooking a holiday meal at home. For families that live near one another, consider ordering a large feast and splitting it up among different households to share the same dining experience from the comfort of home.
"During this season of giving, please consider supporting restaurants and other hospitality business and employees,” said Billy Downs, owner/operator of Ford’s Garage in Dearborn. “The industry has been crushed during this pandemic and the purchase of carry-out meals and gift cards NOW will help save Michigan businesses and industry jobs in the coming months. Also, if you personally know a hospitality worker, please consider blessing them in some kind of way this holiday season!"
Patrons can support hotels by planning future vacations. Reserving a staycation is a wonderful way to support hotels and enjoy the luxury of a getaway close to home. Enhance the stay with in-room holiday dining. In place of cooking at home, book a hotel dining suite for a luxe private meal cooked by professionals with contactless service. Close family, newlyweds and new parents would appreciate the gift of an overnight stay. Ring in 2021 in style with a new year’s eve restaurant and hotel package.
“There are unique hotel packages, promotions and experiences available around the state for those seeking a fun and safe getaway from their home,” said Peter Beukema, CEO of Suburban Inns and MRLA board member. “To support Michigan hotels, guests utilizing the advance purchase rate discounts for the holidays and future summer vacations provides vital revenue for hotels in our state.”
Since the start of the pandemic, more than 2,000 restaurants have permanently closed in Michigan. As of mid-September, two-thirds of hotels were operating with less than 50 percent capacity, and currently, 63 percent of hotels have less than half of their typical staff working full-time.
Consumers can visit carryoutmichigan.com and find restaurants in their area—throughout the state of Michigan—by entering an address or selecting a specific cuisine. A list of restaurants based on the user’s location proximity is generated. Each restaurant listing indicates the type of cuisine offered; price range; delivery, pick-up, or curbside options; as well as menu, directions and hours of operation.
About the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association
Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (MRLA) is the recognized leader of Michigan's hospitality industry, providing essential services to the foodservice and lodging community. Founded in 1921 as the Michigan Restaurant Association and now known as the MRLA, the Association represents over 5,000 Michigan foodservice and lodging establishments. The industry plays an integral role in Michigan's economy, employing more than 595,000 people and creating nearly $40 billion in annual sales. For more information, visit www.mrla.org and www.detroitrla.org.
Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (MRLA) is the recognized leader of Michigan's hospitality industry, providing essential services to the foodservice and lodging community. Founded in 1921 as the Michigan Restaurant Association and now known as the MRLA, the Association represents over 5,000 Michigan foodservice and lodging establishments. The industry plays an integral role in Michigan's economy, employing more than 595,000 people and creating nearly $40 billion in annual sales. For more information, visit www.mrla.org and www.detroitrla.org.
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