New Jersey restaurants are now serving meals that celebrate the best the Garden State has to offer. But in many cases, the future remains uncertain even for companies that have found new ways to transition operating models and have continued to support their staff during the most difficult times.
There is no doubt that restaurants mean a lot to New Jersey diners. Restaurants are deeply rooted in our communities, often family-run businesses, where you can enjoy your favorite dishes served by familiar faces. In addition, they are engines of the local economy, supporting restaurant employees and local suppliers alike. But between staff shortages and historic inflation, many restaurants still struggle to make ends meet.
This is not lost on diners all over New Jersey.
According to a recent DoorDash poll conducted by Quadrant Strategies, New Jersey residents saw their local restaurants experiencing difficulties since the outbreak of the pandemic, calling this a significant problem for the state’s economy. I regard it as Over 90% agree that many restaurants in their community have suffered since the pandemic began, and 75% say they’ve seen their beloved local establishments close. This is a big deal, as 95% agree that the success of local restaurants is important to New Jersey’s economy. please think about it. Nearly everyone surveyed agrees on the importance of local eateries. These days, there aren’t too many real issues that come close to unanimity. Obviously, restaurants are an important part of our culture.
In recent years, delivery has become a driving force in the restaurant industry. It puts everything from fine dining to fast food at your fingertips, providing restaurants with an important revenue stream. In fact, over 90% agree that food delivery has been an important source of income for restaurants since the pandemic began.

Dining at the Garden StateThere’s a reason these 14 North Jersey restaurants have been around for decades.this is the reason
In the face of extremely difficult headwinds, diners have become more focused on preventing local favorites from suffering further hardships. said they use food delivery apps to order meals from restaurants in their community at least once a month and enjoy the choice and convenience food delivery offers.
New Jersey restaurants quickly responded and adapted to the ever-changing climate during the outbreak of the pandemic. To keep serving customers during shutdowns and guest capacities, New Jersey restaurants quickly updated their website and social media platforms to offer an efficient online ordering system, and in this evolution Third-party delivery services played an important role. This streamlined technology allows customers to continue supporting their favorite restaurants and enjoying the delicious meals they’ve come to love over the years. You can now easily get delicious food without leaving your home.
Restaurants, on the other hand, have become increasingly dependent on waiting patrons who can consistently count on regular orders, but many restaurants need ways to expand their reach and acquire new customers. is. These platforms do just that, offering a way for New Jersey diners to discover new places alongside old favorites.
It’s clear that food delivery apps are taking hold, connecting New Jersey diners to the best neighborhoods while supporting New Jersey restaurants and the state’s economy. We are anxious to do our part by recognizing what that means and how eating out can help.
Dana Lancellotti is President and CEO of the New Jersey Restaurant and Hospitality Association and Sascha Owen is Senior Manager of Government Relations at DoorDash.