An Atlanta Restaurant Group Is Conducting Food Drives at Global Mall for Families

As the novel coronavirus continues to dominate restaurant news here, Eater Atlanta plans to provide brief news roundups each morning of COVID-19-related fundraisers and free meals for those in need, interesting takeout opportunities and cool food popups, virtual events to attend, and other dining intel for readers to consider.

Free meals for families in need

An Atlanta restaurant group is conducting a series of food drives providing free meals for families in need throughout April. Walia Hospitality Group (Ashiana Fine Indian Cuisine, Café Bombay Indian Bistro, Masti) in partnership with Global Mall will distribute 1,000 meals during each food drive held in the parking lot of Global Mall on Jimmy Carter Boulevard in Norcross. Each food drive takes place between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., is first come, first served, and completely contact-free every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, beginning April 15 until May 3.

Mystery takeout game

Mystery-themed restaurant and bar Clues and Cocktails in Sweet Auburn, owned by Joy Christina, is taking a unique approach to takeout with its “Meal with a Mystery” game. Order food for delivery and try to solve a mystery within 30 minutes through puzzles and code-breaking. When food arrives, the takeout container includes a lock to complete the game. Locks can also be ripped off, but Christina says she just wants to bring Atlantans a “glimmer of light in a very dark time” with her takeout game. Click here to check out the menu and to order.

Buy One, Feed One fundraiser

Mamoun’s Falafel on Northside Drive near Atlantic Station is currently running a BOGO-type deal fundraiser. For each falafel sandwich purchased throughout April, the restaurant is donating the cost of the sandwich to the Atlanta Community Food Bank to help provide a meal to someone in need. Takeout, curbside pickup, and contactless delivery available. Order online.

New Instagram delivery and donation buttons for restaurants

On Wednesday, Eater reported that Instagram now offers new “order food” profile buttons and story stickers for restaurants with business accounts that link directly to third-party delivery apps. Other buttons and stickers include options for people to purchase gift cards or donate to staff and restaurant fundraisers. Restaurants can set up links to delivery services such as ChowNow, DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Postmates, link to gift cards through companies Kabbage, Raise, Yiftee, and Square, and to Facebook fundraisers. Reposts by people visiting these Instagram accounts can include the buttons for ordering or donating, too. gusto! in Atlanta has already taken advantage of the new Instagram button and stories feature on its page.

Stay home if sick. Check the Georgia Department of Public Health website for guidance and twice-daily updates on the latest number of reported COVID-19 cases.

• Keep Track of How the Coronavirus Is Impacting Atlanta’s Food Scene