Neighbor News
New Facebook Group Helps Support Local Restaurants
Chicago North Shore Restaurants-What's Cookin'? invites local restaurants to share news and asks the public to share positive experiences.
Covid-19 took an immediate toll on the business community. When local restaurants were no longer allowed to welcome guests for dining in, and were forced to offer curbside, pick-up or delivery, Highland Park resident, Alisa Bay and her friend, Marcy Manning, knew they needed to do something fast. So, they did what they knew best and started a Facebook group!
“Marcy and I have a lot of friends in the restaurant business,” said Bay, whose husband is the franchisor of Love’s Yogurt. “Restaurant owners were scared, and many were worried that they might need to shut their doors completely,” she added. “We didn’t want to see that happen.”
Within a few days of the Governor’s stay-at-home order, the pair launched, Chicago North Shore Restaurants - What’s Cookin’?– a public Facebook group where restaurant owners are invited to share their good news and special offers, and community members can share their positive restaurant experiences.
Find out what's happening in Deerfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
In less than 3 weeks, the group grew to 3000 members. Today, they are nearing 5000 members and it continues to grow every day.
“When we first launched, we weren't sure what to expect,” said Manning. “Almost immediately, restaurants began posting their specials and the community started posting photos of the food they were ordering,” she added. “It's been fun to see what people are getting and from where,” she continued. “Members are also asking each other for recommendations, which is exactly what we hoped would happen.”
Find out what's happening in Deerfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Among the group’s members are hundreds of restaurant owners and managers throughout the North Shore posting their specials. There are also several restaurants in Chicago and the northwest suburbs that are delivering to North Shore residents.
“We’re excited that the Facebook group took off and that restaurants have a place to promote their businesses,” said Bay, whose group also has weekly contests where members can win gift cards for local restaurants. “Now, more than ever, we need to show these restaurant owners our support.”
If you’re on Facebook and would like to join the group, you can find it by searching Chicago North Shore Restaurants – What’s Cookin’?