The novel coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) has affected daily life in more ways than we could have predicted. One threat is that toward the livelihood and success of small businesses. Due to Governor Pritzker’s recent decision to close all Illinois bars and restaurants to sit-down patrons through April 8, many small businesses in Illinois are facing an uphill battle in the coming weeks. Here are some simple ways that you can help continue to support your favorite local establishments:
Buy gift cards
This is the easiest and most efficient way to help support a local business through this crisis. Gift cards will provide the local establishment with a quick injection of cash. Plus, you can use your gift cards in person once the establishment reopens for regular business. Even if your local establishment does not normally offer gift cards, it is worth calling in and checking to see if they are planning to offer them during this closure period.
Order takeout/carryout
Illinois bars and restaurants are still permitted to serve food as carryout or delivery. These options are a reliable source of income for establishments right now. We strongly encourage all of our loyal patrons to consider ordering carryout from their local Accel Entertainment establishment during the closure. Check in with the staff of your local small business. They may even be offering special discounts on takeout or carryout orders.
Consider tipping more than usual
If you are able to order carryout from a local restaurant, please consider being a little extra generous on your tip. This is going to be a very hard time for small businesses and their employees. With a significant drop in the number of customers and lost revenue from video gaming machines, a few extra dollars on a delivery tip may help more than you realize. These small bouts of generosity can make all the difference to a struggling small business.
Accel Entertainment wants to help
Accel Entertainment supports the decision to protect the safety of our fellow Illinois citizens. We also acknowledge and respect the financial impact and strain that such closures will have on our partner establishments. Rest assured that Accel Entertainment is working around the clock to best help our partners. Accel Entertainment representatives will attempt to visit every location to clean and sanitize the video gaming terminals and surrounding gaming area during the shutdown. The health and safety of our players and partner establishments are of paramount importance to Accel Entertainment, and we are not taking this situation lightly.
