There’s a government sponsored program in the UK this month that allows you to take up to 50% off your bill (up to 10 pounds per person) when you dine at participating restaurants. The program is called “Eat Out to Help Out”. In other words, barring any sexual innuendo, the general population is encouraged to support their local restaurant scene because they have an incentive. It specifically applies to the slower days of the week, and there are some limitations. I think that’s a very interesting approach. Imagine hitting FiveStar, and dinner for 2 was under $20 including an appetizer!
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I am not calling it neurotic at all. Office workers not being downtown surely is having the biggest impact, but residents choosing other options is also having an impact. So, I was simply saying I, personally, am going to be going back to normal behavior and doing the best I can to spend a good deal of my food budget on independent DT establishments.
I used to eat out probably 3 or 4 meals per week and went to get drinks once or twice a week. Almost always at establishments in DT or surrounding areas.
During April/May I didn’t dine at an establishment once and maybe did takeout 3 times in that span (all Oakwood Pizza Box). In June and July I’ve ticked up a bit, but still, with a pregnant wife that can’t drink and wanting to be extra careful, I mostly just cooked at home and met friends in my backyard.
If I were to guess, DT restaurants bars missed out on $1000 or more from my family alone during this pandemic. Obviously, one family is not a game changer, but I just want to do my part. That’s all I am saying.
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Not being in Raleigh, I am unsure of the situation on the ground, but are the state employees also working from home, largely?
Pretty much all of the State employees that I work directly with are working remotely most of the week. They average a day or two per week, but usually not even full days in the office.
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Oh I know. @phil said neurotic. 
Guess I didn’t need to @ you on that one.
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that is nice, I also hope the city is taking measures to help/support those businesses
Can you plz tell me why the CVS is still shutdown? Our mayor ought to be fired. Our city is not operating on full cylinders
Am I concerned? Heck yea-if this place went under, how many other places are worried…too many. Plus everyone just goes to Trophy/Food hall…there are many other business that need visited. I’m just sayin
The mayor is essentially a city council member. Why should she (or any of them) be fired (they are elected, they don’t get fired anyways) because there’s a pandemic and people are working from home and avoiding crowded areas?
CVS is closed because they’re never open anyways. Lived here 11 years and never managed to make it inside
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Oh man - This is must be your first baby? I seriously doubt you will be doing much of anything back to normal after 3 weeks of having a baby. Working out? Dinner & drinks? good luck.
** this is not a comment regarding Covid, but about being a parent to an infant.
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what do you mean they’re never open? They were open until the protests. I didn’t go in myself (I was fairly new) but people went in.
She and the city should devise ways to reopen the city. That is what they should be working on-and ensuring businesses get support in this time. Bc the city suffers if they do.
well at least his thought is what count-but yea you’re right…haha
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Such a logical response. Thank you @GucciLittlePig.
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Every day is a slow day downtown, it’s like the house where someone was killed, no one wants to be in it.
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Things certainly are slower now, but I’ve seen a few positive signs. Did dinner at Jolie last week and it was booked (socially distanced). Roshambo bottle shop has had people in it regularly. St. Rochs still has the best brunch in town and has had a decent crowd.
One thing that I’m sure has made it tough has to be trying to focus on outdoor dining in summer in Raleigh. Personally I don’t like enjoying a meal while pouring sweat. I’m hopeful that come September when the weather gets less oppressive some of the outdoor spaces will really take off.
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The rooftop at Taverna Agora is very nice with a cover and fans.
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I had takeout from Five Star last night and it was a socially distant full around 6:30. 
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People will eat outdoors if done correctly. Need shade, greenery etc. Just throwing up cheap chairs and tables is not going to cut it. City should have a program with similar sized big umbrellas for sidewalk use.
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CVS kept bankers hours and frequently weren’t open on weekends and during events downtown. I’ve lived downtown for 13 years and have never been in that CVS. I think they catered to office workers. Clearly, residents weren’t their target market, so I’m not surprised they’re taking their time.
The city is not closed. Businesses that can safely open have done so. Others have remain closed by their own choice for their own reasons. Only a few categories of businesses haven’t been allowed to open because it’s difficult for them to function while meeting public health measures for the pandemic.
Wye Hill’s outdoor seating has been at capacity almost every time I walk by and the streets were full of parked cars in the warehouse district this last week.
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CVS was actually open on Saturdays. I would go there a few times a month and actually quite a few locals were in there regularly. I think they lost some local business when DG opened. It was very old inside and they sustained significant damage during the riot. I would think it would need a total renovation in order to open back up. I walk by there daily and I can’t tell if they started renovating as of yet.
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I would not care if the DGX ever opens again. (But I’m sure it will). Clean store but attracts the sketchiest. Always drama and shoplifting. I hope the employees are compensated well.
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Thx good answer
Yep Wye Hill always seems full, but easy to see with that view they have. Few other popular places like this too-I’ve noticed Trophy near there also. Also I think Transfer FH seems like they are, etc.
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