Markham partners with SkipTheDishes to support local restaurants during the holiday season

MARKHAM, ON – December 1, 2020 – The City of Markham is proud to announce an exciting partnership with SkipTheDishes to help local restaurants weather the second wave of COVID-19 during the holiday season.

From December 2, 2020 to January 2, 2021, restaurants that join SkipTheDishes will pay 0% commission for the first 30 days. In addition, as a way to stimulate consumer demand and generate more orders for local Markham restaurants, SkipTheDishes is offering Markham diners free delivery on every order over $20 that is placed through the app during this one-month promotional period.
 
“We are proud to partner with SkipTheDishes on this first-of-its-kind in Canada and exclusive offer to Markham restaurants and residents so we can continue to support our local businesses,” said Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “Local restaurants are adapting to restrictions brought upon by COVID-19 and this offer by SkipTheDishes will allow them to pivot their operations and reach new customers. Direct collaboration between government and the private sector is crucial as we adapt to this second wave of COVID-19 and offer solutions to support our small businesses.”

By using SkipTheDishes during the crucial holiday season, Markham restaurants will be able to increase sales and find new customers while providing more work opportunities for independently-contracted couriers. The community will be rewarded with $0 delivery fees for supporting local and for doing their part to help stop the spread of COVID-19 by limiting their exposure to those outside of their households. 
 
 “We’ve seen the effects the pandemic has had on our restaurant partners and we are working tirelessly to support them as they adapt their businesses to keep their kitchens open,” said Kevin Edwards, CEO of SkipTheDishes. “With pickup and delivery orders becoming a critical revenue stream for restaurants, Skip stands with our local partners and are proud to continue to offer solutions to help our communities thrive.”
 
Since March, SkipTheDishes has supported their restaurant partners by reducing fees and giving back tens of millions of dollars directly to local restaurants. By innovating and differentiating their network and working with partners across Ontario, SkipTheDishes continues to find new ways to engage customers while enabling them to stay safe at home.
 
This partnership with SkipTheDishes is the latest initiative offered by the City of Markham to help local businesses through the evolving COVID-19 pandemic. For more information about this partnership and how to participate, visit markham.ca/msbc. 
 
Diners can access SkipTheDishes at skipthedishes.com or by downloading the mobile app on the Apple Store or Google Play.
 

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Other Markham Small Business Centre resources:

• Small Business Recovery & Digital Resilience Program ($5K grant)
• Free custom websites via Digital Main Street's ShopHERE – powered by Google
• Free online small business seminars and workshops
• Access to expert advice
• Entrepreneur funding opportunities
• Temporary Patio Program extension
• And more!

Markham’s Contact Centre continues to respond to inquiries about municipal services and programs at customerservice@markham.ca and 905.477.5530, Monday to Friday between 8 AM and 5 PM.

For information and updates about the novel coronavirus and affected City services, visit markham.ca/covid19.

Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti's Office:
Bryan Frois, Chief of Staff at bfrois@markham.ca or 416.567.1177.

All other media inquiries / interview requests for the City of Markham:
Jennifer Yap, Coordinator, Communications and Media Relations at jyap@markham.ca or 437.229.2450.

SkipTheDishes:
media@skipthedishes.ca
 

For COVID-19 announcements from the City of Markham: 
Visit markham.ca/covid19 or listen to 105.9 The Region – Markham’s information and emergency radio station.

About Markham: Markham, an award-winning municipality with over 355,000 residents and the largest of nine communities in York Region, is home to over 650 corporate head offices and more than 1,500 high tech and life science companies. Markham is a leader in attracting foreign direct investment with more than 240 foreign companies located in the City. Founded in the 1790s, today Markham is Canada’s most diverse community and enjoys a rich heritage, outstanding community planning and services, and a vibrant local economy. Markham has received the Excellence Canada Gold Award for Organizational Quality & Healthy Workplace, and multiple heritage and environmental awards.  

About SkipTheDishes: SkipTheDishes is part of Just Eat Takeaway.com, a leading global online food delivery marketplace. SkipTheDishes connects millions of customers with over 29,000 Restaurant Partners in Canada.
 

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