Ben E. Keith Foods Announces Customer Support Campaign
Towards the end of April, Ben E. Keith Foods announced a Customer Support Campaign, Eat Local. Eat Often. This campaign initiative is a direct impact effort to support and raise awareness for restaurants, the foodservice industry, and local communities across the country.
Eat Local. Eat Often. aims to encourage continued patronage both during the COVID-19 pandemic through curbside pickup, delivery and takeout and beyond during recovery. Eat Local. Eat Often. aims to support the sustainability of the restaurant industry and the institutions that greatly contribute to the communities they serve.
"Eat Local. Eat Often. is an initiative in support of the restaurant operator. They are a key part of our business, but even more importantly, they are a key part of our society and our culture in this country," said Mike Sweet, President of Ben E. Keith Foods. "When we move beyond this shelter in place environment, and businesses begin to re-open, we know it will be a different landscape, and one in which we will need to support our industry more than ever. And there is no better way to support that than Eat Local. Eat Often."
According to NPD's restaurant census, ReCount®, about 97% of U.S. restaurants are now under some level of restrictions, with many prohibiting dine-in service. In addition to organizing this campaign, Ben E. Keith has also created a COVID-19 resource page on its website to help restaurants operationalize and navigate the business environment during this time.
"The restaurant industry has always played an essential role in our society," states Dallas Hale, President and CEO of Shell Shack, a Dallas-area restaurant. "From personal life events to celebrations, restaurants have been the center, a place for connection. Now, more than ever, we are calling upon our communities to help the restaurant industry survive this pandemic. Support local, support people, support our future."
As part of Eat Local. Eat Often., customers are encouraged to order takeout from a local restaurant, pick up a meal curbside or purchase a gift card to use in the future. Each action taken helps preserve the restaurant industry.
The company also offers the below resources for updates on the pandemic:
- National Restaurant Association
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- World Health Organization
Ben E. Keith is actively monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation as it continues to evolve in the United States and globally. They modify their plans as the situation changes and as more information becomes available. The company has implemented precautionary measures based on the best information available, best practices, and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or other government agencies.
The corporate leadership team is regularly engaging with field leadership across the country to hear firsthand concerns and questions from associates, customers, and other valued partners to help make the best decisions for all. The company remains committed to supporting their customers and ensuring that Ben E. Keith continues to provide the food products and services that customers have come to expect.
