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Stella Artois launches Rally for Restaurants gift card program to help local restaurants and bars hit hard by COVID-19 crisis

Empowering Canadians to take immediate action and support local restaurants, pubs and bars

TORONTO, April 3, 2020 /CNW/ - In an effort to bring Canadians together to support local restaurants and bars during this difficult time, Stella Artois today announced "Rally for Restaurants," a gift card program that provides local establishments with immediate financial relief.

Stella Artois launches Rally for Restaurants gift card program to help local restaurants and bars (CNW Group/Stella Artois)
Stella Artois launches Rally for Restaurants gift card program to help local restaurants and bars (CNW Group/Stella Artois)

Part of a global initiative that is rolling out in 10 different countries, Rally for Restaurants, is open to all bars and restaurants across Canada. In an effort to stimulate the industry, the program encourages Canadians to buy a gift card that they can use at their local favourites upon re-opening, or to use now for takeout. As an added incentive, Stella Artois will add an additional $10 to the value of every gift card purchased which will go directly to restaurants, bars and pubs.

"Local restaurants and bars are the heart of communities and a much-loved part of our social lives," says Todd Allen, VP of Marketing at Labatt Breweries of Canada. "Many of these establishments have had to close down during the COVID-19 emergency, while others are trying to get by on take-out. It's an extremely challenging period and we want to offer as much support as possible."

How it works: Restaurants sign up to be part of the program at www.rallyforrestaurants.ca

  • A consumer purchases a gift card for a local restaurant, bar or pub

  • Stella Artois adds an additional $10 to the value of the gift card

  • The establishment immediately gets the money

Through the initiative, Stella Artois is aiming to empower Canadians to get involved and help support their local restaurant during a difficult time and as part of that, Stella Artois will donate $250,000 to participating restaurants, pubs and bars in a joint effort to help preserve the future of the industry.

"We're hoping that Rally for Restaurants will not only help restaurants and bars in the immediate term, but will also help safeguard the future of the industry and inspire Canadians to join our efforts by purchasing gift cards over the weeks to come. We hope that all Canadians across the country unite to champion their favourite 'local' and help secure the future of the hospitality industry," says Allen.

For more information to sign up or purchase a gift card, visit www.rallyforrestaurants.ca.

About Stella Artois
Stella Artois® is part of a Belgian brewing tradition dating back to 1366. It is the No. 1 Belgian beer in the world and is present in 95 countries. Stella Artois is a bottom filtered, blonde pilsner. It is thirst quenching with a malty middle and crisp finish delivering a full flavour and a hint of bitterness. Stella Artois is best enjoyed served between 3 and 5 degree Celsius and should be served in the unique Stella Artois Chalice according to the 9-Step Pouring Ritual to guarantee a perfect experience of this gold standard lager. Visit www.stellaartois.com for more information.

SOURCE Stella Artois

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View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/April2020/03/c7454.html

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