Saturday to Go is scheduled to take place every Saturday during the month of May
The City of Tampa is teaming up with a group of local residents to shine a light on minority-owned businesses during the pandemic. The “Saturday to Go” initiative uses social media to encourage community members to order to-go meals from participating restaurants in an effort to help generate sales and keep staff employed. The City now plans to utilize its social media platforms to promote Saturday to Go as part of Tampa’s Lift Up Local Economic Recovery Plan.
Former State Representative Ed Narain and his wife Monica Narain along with Stevonia Dixon, Sammecia Bagley, Belinthia Berry, Felicia Harvey, Anddrikk Frazier, and Cedric McCray joined forces to start Saturday To Go. Restaurants reported a boost in sales since the initiative launched on April 4.
“We felt driven to do something to bring awareness to minority-owned businesses in our area during the pandemic. We set up Saturday to Go because it is important for the community to remember that the power to save the jobs of our neighbors and loved ones is in our hands,” said initiative organizer Ed Narain.
Restaurant patrons are encouraged to showcase their meals on social media using #SaturdayToGo. There are currently 10 minority-owned restaurants featured in Saturday to Go. Participation is free for the restaurants, however they are required to practice social distancing and follow health guidelines for food service.
The City hopes to help the event organizers grow the list of participating businesses, while getting the word out about the initiative.