In an effort to help promote business to restaurants that still have their doors open after the restrictions were announced in California, a movement called The Great American Takeout is being pushed by the industry.

On Thursday, Mar. 19th, Governor Gavin Newsom declared that California will now be operating in a state of emergency due to Covid-19 and only essential businesses will be allowed to stay open. However, while restaurants are considered an essential business, the new guidelines stated that dine-in will not be allowed which forced businesses to change over to drive-thru or takeout only.

Many restaurants adapted immediately to help prevent a loss in business, but people were uncertain about if their favorite place would still be open as the majority of businesses in Downtown Fullerton do not have a drive-thru.

Now the cities are trying to help their local businesses by promoting The Great American Takeout for Tuesday, Mar. 24. The movement is encouraging customers to order food from their favorite restaurant to help them through these difficult times.

Adding additional relief for local businesses, the CA Department of Alcohol and Beverage Control is easing its restriction on alcoholic drinks being sold at this time. Their Notice of Regulatory Relief on their website states that the licensed premises may sell alcoholic drinks to their customers for takeout, with the provision that it must be purchased with a meal as though the customer were dining-in.

How can the students and faculty of Fullerton College show their support to the community? Order a meal from their favorite place to eat in Downtown Fullerton by either using one of many convenient apps available, such as Postmates or Grub Hub or contacting the restaurant to order takeout. Many restaurants such as Clyde’s Hot Chicken, The Bowery, Burger Parlor and Cha2o are still open for takeout.

While people may be going out less to eat, they can show support for their favorite restaurant by ordering a meal from their local business.