Celebrate Lunar New Year and Help Chinese Restaurants

Since the onset of the pandemic last January, Chinatowns across the country have been struggling just to survive, losing legacy restaurants, some which have been in the community for over sixty years. For me it’s inconceivable, deeply personal, and painful to think of an America without our Chinatowns, these historic communities which represent our valued and shared immigrant story.

Yes, I know, nationwide all restaurants are struggling, but Chinese mom-and-pop eateries have been hit hardest, as Asian Americans are being unjustly blamed for the pandemic. By March, over half of independently owned Chinese restaurants across the country had closed permanently.

Chinese restaurants are part of our culture and deserve our help. That’s why I’ve partnered with the James Beard Foundation to develop the Instagram campaign #savechineserestaurants. I firmly believe this campaign can make a difference with your help. As the Year of the Ox approaches on February 12, think about supporting your local Chinese restaurants and joining our efforts on social media.

Here’s all you need to do to participate:

• Post a photo of your favorite dish from your local Chinese restaurant (takeout or dine in) on Instagram and use the hashtag #savechineserestaurants.
• Tag @beardfoundation and they’ll repost some of their favorites!
• Click here for a digital toolkit with social media graphics, info, and sample copy.

Learn more about the #savechineserestaurants campaign.