A new video has been launched aimed at encouraging people to dine out and support restaurants and bars struggling to recover from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The initiative is aimed at celebrating restaurants as they get back to business and is themed around the Jerusalema dance challenge that went viral during the Covid-19 lockdowns worldwide.

The video is sponsored by Bacardi Limited, which is headquartered in Bermuda, and Butterfield & Vallis.

“At Bacardi, we believe that love for our brands is built in the bars and restaurants and we are committed to helping the industry get back on its feet,” said Douglas Mello, Managing Director of the Bacardi office in Bermuda.

"We are excited to be a part of the Jerusalema dance challenge as a way to promote and celebrate local accounts as we all work together to safely reopen Bermuda.”

Bermuda serves as the global headquarters for family-owned Bacardi which previously donated more than 3,000 food items, and 900 grocery vouchers to Bermuda bartenders hit hard by the Covid-19 crisis.

This effort was part of the company’s global #RaiseYourSpirits programme which launched in March 2020 and pledged $4 million globally to help workers in the bartending and spirits industry.

Karl Massam, chairman of the Restaurant Division of the Chamber of Commerce, said: “We hope this video will show residents what they have been missing while our restaurants have been closed, and encourage them to make new memories with friends and family while they dine with us – whatever the occasion might be.

“Diners have been able to enjoy takeout from some restaurants, but there is nothing like the unique experience that dining out provides, and we hope we can encourage everyone to come out and enjoy a meal at their favourite restaurant.”

Spencer Butterfield, president and chief executive officer at Butterfield and Vallis, says: “Butterfield & Vallis is excited to be the new distributor of Coca-Cola products in Bermuda, and we are happy to support the local restaurant and bar industry through this iconic brand.”

The video was produced by Bermuda Media.