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Paying It Forward: Kindness in Times of Uncertainty

Livie Wang • May 18, 2021

DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used as legal, accounting, tax, HR or other professional advice. You are responsible for you and your businesses' legal and regulatory compliance. Contact your attorney, accountant, or any other relevant professional for specific advice related to your own needs and circumstances.


It was on a beautiful Friday night that my friends and I decided to go out to Osteria Mattone, an Italian restaurant nestled in Downtown Roswell. After a wonderful meal and exquisite service, we went to pay our bill. However, to our surprise, we found that our bill had already been taken care of. We discovered that we were the fourth table that night in a part of a Pay-It Forward chain. Most of the time when you think of Paying-It Forward; drive throughs, cafes and small inexpensive eateries come to mind. You would never think that a 3 dollar sign restaurant such as Osteria Mattone would be in the same category.


Yet the kindness that we were shown that night, and the kindness we hope that we gave to the following table we paid for, was something special and incredibly moving in still uncertain times. While Paying-It Forward is not a new concept, it is increasing in the restaurant and food industry. With instances such as the Pay-It Forward chain in a Northern Minnesota Dairy Queen that lasted over two and a half consecutive days with over 900 cars (BBC), we are reminded of the charity of the human spirit that has only increased during the Covid-19 pandemic. As many lockdowns are being lifted, many are creating Pay-It Forwards chains not only to uplift the spirits of those struggling, but also providing a boost of sales in an industry hit hard by the pandemic. The 900 car Pay-It Forward chain gave the Northern Minnesota restaurant more than $10,000 in sales, showing that it pays to be kind.


Other methods of Paying-It Forward in the food industry include ‘receipt walls,’ increasingly found in Oklahoman restaurants (Washington Post). Customers will prepay for food and stick the receipt on a designated space on the wall. Anyone can come in and take a receipt off the wall and cash it in for a pre-paid meal. This initiative was created for people to help their neighbors when food insecurity is rising. Not only are ‘receipt walls’ benefiting the community, the increased sales from such promotions definitely help struggling restaurant workers and owners.

My experiences that Friday night have inspired me to continue the kindness and Pay-It Forward more often. Restaurants and others in the food industry can continue the chain and find their own little ways to extend goodwill to the community they serve. Whether it be ‘receipt walls’ or your own methods, remember, it pays to be kind. 


By Livie Wang

Livie Wang is based in Atlanta, GA and has a background in marketing and branding. With many years of experience in the restaurant and retail industries, she brings forth a personalized view on the issues these industries face. She has been a regular contributor to the ZBS Blog, News and Resource Center since 2021. 

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