The three Loudoun County organizations behind Loudoun Is Ready have created a new chapter to this successful program in order to support the restaurant industry as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact local businesses.
Visit Loudoun, Loudoun Economic Development and Loudoun Chamber of Commerce announced this week the launch of the #LoveLoudounFood Restaurant Sweepstakes—a social media campaign aimed at driving business to local restaurants throughout the winter.
The new initiative, which will run through mid-March, encourages people to dine in or order out from their favorite Loudoun restaurant and post a picture of their meal on Instagram using #LoveLoudounFood. People who do so, and also tag and follow the restaurant they order from, will have a chance to win one of three dining experiences from a local eatery.
“Restaurants are a key part of our hospitality industry and we know they have taken a significant hit during the pandemic,” Visit Loudoun President & CEO Beth Erickson said. “We wanted to create a campaign that not only makes cash registers ring, but also encourages people to become ambassadors for their favorite restaurants by posting photos of the meals and places they love.”
Each social media post using #LoveLoudounFood is considered an entry, so the more people frequent local restaurants, the more entries they can submit. Prizes include a family meal for six on Super Bowl Sunday, a dinner for two on Valentine’s Day and a family meal for six on St. Patrick’s Day.
“From the jobs they create and the tax dollars they generate, to the many donations they have made to fundraisers for local nonprofits, schools and youth sports, Loudoun’s restaurants have always been there for our community. Now it is time for our community to be there for Loudoun’s restaurants. And by participating in the #LoveLoudounFood campaign, we help guarantee our favorite eateries will remain there for us, for a long time to come,” said Loudoun Chamber President Tony Howard.
Details about the campaign can be found on the Loudoun Is Ready website, which showcases Loudoun businesses that have pledged to follow the latest safety guidelines outlined by the Virginia Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The website also features a Restaurant Randomizer that will suggest a place to dine.
“Dozens of Loudoun restaurants, representing every town and corner of the county, offering cuisine from all over the world, have taken the ‘Loudoun Is Ready’ pledge to follow the latest health guidelines. Leveraging takeout, curbside pickup and outdoor seating, these resilient businesses have pivoted their operations to better align with your safety,” Loudoun Economic Development Executive Director Buddy Rizer said. “If you have the means to do so, now is the time to financially support the Loudoun restaurants that you love.”
