Downtown South Bend Inc. has launched a new “Take Out 25” initiative.

They’re asking members of the community to take a pledge to spend $25 a week on take-out at downtown restaurants in order to help these establishments thrive and maintain jobs.

They say spending $25 a week could bring an average of $20,000 a month to each downtown restaurant.

There’s a Facebook page dedicated to “TakeOut 25 Downtown South Bend” where you can post pictures of your carryout orders and, maybe win a 100 gift card.

The following information about the initiative was provided by Downtown South Bend Inc:

Downtown South Bend, Inc. will launch a new “TakeOut 25” initiative this Monday,
February 22. They ask members of the community to take a pledge to spend $25 a week on take-out at downtown restaurants in order to help these establishments thrive, and maintain jobs.

The TakeOut 25 concept started in Oak Park, Illinois a few months ago and has made a measurable impact since its launch. Downtown South Bend is joining communities across the nation in adapting the campaign to help their local restaurants during a traditionally tough time, that is complicated because of COVID-19.

The simple act of spending $25 a week could bring an average of $20,000 a month to each downtown restaurant. If 10% of our South Bend population of 100,000 commit to this initiative, that will be 10,000 people x $100/month (4 weeks/$25 per week) = $1 million a month. $1 million divided between our 50 downtown restaurants equals a $20,000/month impact per restaurant.

The community is asked to join the Facebook Group “TakeOut 25 Downtown South Bend” and take the pledge on there, then post pictures of their carryout food/drinks on the group page.

As an added incentive, each post will be added entered into a monthly drawing to win a $100 gift card to the establishment mentioned in the post. Gift cards are generously sponsored by United Beverage.

The page will also serve as a visual celebration of the many amazing culinary gems downtown South Bend has to offer, and it is hoped that people will discover some new food options.

For more information, please visit downtownsouthbend.com/takeout-25. Additionally, a full list of downtown eateries can be found at DowntownSouthBend.com/explore-downtown.