TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — Tallahassee restaurants are calling on the community to help them out again. After cases of coronavirus surged again, business is going back down for some.
The first Rally for Tally weekend happened when the pandemic began by encouraging takeout. Now, businesses ask to be remembered this weekend, saying they'll return the favor.
"The past two weeks we've seen it has slowed down," said Erick Urra, who runs Cuban-themed Habana's Boardwalk.
Urra says they've had to make adjustments during the pandemic.
"One door is for dine-in only, the other is for takeout," Urra said.
But now, they're feeling another lull after COVID-19 cases spike across the state.
"Usually during summer it slows down a little bit," said Urra. "Plus, everything that's been going on with the COVID."
It's part of the reason they're participating in Rally for Tally this weekend, giving free dessert to customers.
"Small businesses are the backbone of any community, and restaurants are a key part of that," said JH, who runs Tallahassee Foodies with his wife.
Tallahassee foodies is the food blog in charge of the initiative.
The first time Rally for Tally was held, places like Vertigo Burgers say it definitely helped bring more customers through the door.
"I would say about 15 to 20 percent increase," David Gwen said, the owner of Vertigo Burgers, Grove Market Cafe and Cypress.
Gwenn says things have been steady and he firmly believes that, together, the hospitality industry and the people in town will come out of this stronger.
"Everybody locally has done a great job of banning together and trying to offer their goods," said Gwen. "It's very difficult to offer discounts right now, but we do that we can because everybody's suffering. Everybody's dealing with this."
For more information and to see the establishments participating in Rally for Tally this weekend, click here.
