National ACE and CNY in the Desert™ Encourage Support of AAPI-Owned Restaurants and Businesses for Lunar New Year
Watch the virtual celebration here: aapirestaurants.com/virtual-party/
National ACE and CNY in the Desert™ Join Food and Beverage Industry Groups to Encourage People to Celebrate the Lunar New Year by Supporting AAPI-Owned Restaurants and Businesses
LAS VEGAS, NV (Feb 9, 2021) – The Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship (National ACE), and CNY in the Desert™ are ringing in the Year of the Ox with a virtual celebration and a call to action to support AAPI-owned restaurants during the Lunar New Year.
While many restaurants across the nation have been affected by the economic downturn, AAPI-owned restaurants have been hit particularly hard. According to the National ACE 2020 Impact Report which surveyed over 900 AAPI-owned businesses nationally, 84% of owners stated that COVID-19 has had a negative impact on their business, and 35% were not optimistic that their businesses would survive. In addition to facing shutdowns and restrictions, AAPI restaurants have had to fight racism and xenophobia stemming from COVID-19 and the pandemic.
“Although 2020 was a challenging year for many AAPI-owned restaurants, it was amazing to see people around the country rallying together to support these local businesses,” stated Chiling Tong, President and CEO of National ACE. “This year, we’re dedicating our Lunar New Year celebration in honor of AAPI-owned businesses in the restaurant and beverage industry and asking people to continue to support AAPI businesses that play such an important economic and cultural role in the communities they serve.”
During this year’s virtual Lunar New Year celebration on Feb. 9, National ACE and CNY in the Desert™ were joined by Bryan Pham and Maggie Chu from the Asian Foodie Network to share stories of the challenges and struggles faced by AAPI-owned restaurants, and to ask people across the country to buy their traditional Lunar New Year dinners from a local AAPI-owned restaurant or business, following all local and state COVID-19 guidelines and regulations.
“The traditional Lunar New Year’s Eve dinner has so much meaning and significance,” said Jay-Son Low, owner of SATAY Thai Bistro in Las Vegas. “The ‘reunion dinner’ is a time for people to gather and share a meal with the hopes of good luck and prosperity in the coming year. What better way to celebrate the holiday as a community than by sharing a meal and drinks purchased from a local AAPI-owned business?”
As part of the Lunar New Year call to action, National ACE and CNY in the Desert™ are encouraging people across the country to share their favorite local restaurants as well as pictures from their dinners using the hashtag #AAPIfoodies. For those looking for nearby restaurant suggestions, a list of restaurants participating in the National ACE/CNY in the Desert™ Lunar New Year Festival can be found at aapirestaurants.com.
The Lunar New Year event was co-hosted by National ACE members Wells Fargo and AARP, and Beverage Sponsor House of Suntory.
“Wells Fargo is excited to celebrate the Year of the Ox with the Asian American community. Supporting small businesses and our ongoing partnership with National ACE are among the many ways in which Wells Fargo invests in the growth of our communities,” said Joanna Zhong, Asian Segment Strategy Leader for Wells Fargo. “We’re proud to collaborate with National ACE and their partners for this Lunar New Year celebration and join their efforts to encourage everyone to celebrate the holiday by safely supporting a local AAPI-owned restaurant or business.
“AAPI-owned businesses in the food and beverage industry are the backbone of many communities throughout the country,” said Joon Park, Brand Manager – West Region for House of Suntory. We’re proud to collaborate with National ACE and CNY in the Desert™ and join our friends and partners across the country to help support local restaurants and related businesses.”
About National ACE
ACE’s mission is to serve as a strong advocate of AAPI business interests and effect positive change on all issues that enhance and advance the goals and aspirations of AAPI business owners, entrepreneurs, and corporate leaders. For details about National ACE’s events and to learn more about our work to strengthen and support AAPI small businesses and entrepreneurs.
About CNY in the Desert™
CNY in the Desert™ is on pace to become the largest annual lunar celebration in the United States. As a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, their mission is to continually increase awareness about the Asian American Pacific Island culture as it relates to the Lunar New Year celebration. For more information about CNY in the Desert™ and the virtual Lunar New Year celebration, visit www.cnyinthedesert.com.
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Contact: Misa Nguyen, IW Group
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