With the local restaurant industry facing challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and state-mandated restrictions, the county tourism bureau launched a campaign to support the establishments.

“Talk About Takeout,” the Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau’s newest campaign, will feature local restaurants that offer takeout options and encourage consumers to take photos of their food and discuss their experiences on social media.

The bureau asks consumers to share positive experiences with local restaurants along with a photo and the location tag on social media, along with the hashtag #TalkAboutTakeout. For those who tag the bureau on Facebook, @Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau, or Instagram, @butlercountypa, their photo could be featured on the tourism bureau’s website.

“Our restaurant industry is hurting, and they are going out of their way to constantly adapt to the new rules and restrictions being placed on them,” said Jack Cohen, bureau president. “It’s our job to do what we can to help them, and we feel that our new campaign will entice more people to support our local restaurants by ordering takeout.”

Butler County Tourism also created a web page dedicated to local takeout options, which is available on the bureau’s website, VisitButlerCounty.com.

“Thank you for your efforts,” said Jimmy Wan, owner of Jimmy Wan’s Restaurant in Cranberry Township. “Everything helps us get through this challenging time.”

The Talk About Takeout campaign is another of the bureau’s attempts to help businesses in challenging times. It is also running a program in which residents can purchase Best of Butler County gift certificates to local businesses in increments of $25, or Best of Butler County Gift Baskets, which contain locally made goodies.