Rockville, Maryland (April 20, 2020) – Dozens of restaurants in designated areas of Montgomery County will get a chance to open their doors tomorrow to take part in what’s become known at the “Great American Takeout.” The event, designed to help restaurants suffering in the midst of the coronavirus crisis, is being organized with the support of County Executive Marc Elrich and the Maryland State elected officials from Districts 14 and 20.

Maryland restaurants have been operating with only carryout and delivery services since dine-in service was banned throughout the State by order of Governor Larry Hogan due to the COVID-19 health crisis.

Many restaurants have been struggling to maintain business during the health crisis. The elected officials are combining their resources for the campaign that will encourage residents to order takeout meals to assist the restaurants during the health crisis. A focus has been put on April 21 to highlight how the restaurants can be helped.

The Great American Takeout is a theme that recently has been organized in communities across the nation to support local restaurants.

The County’s East County Regional Office is working with elected officials and local restaurants to ensure that the restaurants have operating hours on April 21.

Participating restaurants are located in the areas of Briggs Chaney, Burtonsville, Cloverly, Hillandale, Tech Road/U.S. 29 and White Oak.

The list is available at https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/Eastcounty/Resources/Files/2020/restaurant-pickup.pdf

“We are doing everything possible to help all of the businesses in our County that have been drastically impacted by the COVID-19 health crisis and many of our restaurants, especially those that are family operations, have been among the hardest hit during this unique time in history,” said County Executive Elrich. “The County Council and I have made financial help available for businesses through the Public Health Emergency Grant program, but we know the best way to help restaurants is for residents to order takeout meals. I have been ordering takeout from restaurants around the County during this time and I hope others join me in ordering takeout from East County restaurants on Tuesday, April 21.”

A list of restaurants throughout the County that remain open during the crisis can be found at the mocoeats.com website athttps://visitmontgomery.com/restaurant-directory/