Here's how Louisville's largest restaurant chains are providing relief during coronavirus

The coronavirus pandemic has drastically impacted the business operations of companies and restaurants across the United States. However, some companies that have the resources to do so have stepped up to provide relief for employees, customers and health workers alike.

Here are some of the actions Louisville's largest food chains are taking to help out during the COVID-19 outbreak:

Yum! Brands (KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut)

Kentucky Fried Chicken has taken several steps to provide relief to the community. Last week, the Louisville-based company delivered one million pieces of chicken to KFC restaurants across the country to support local food kitchens/pantries, first responders, health care workers and employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Moreover, the chicken chain donated $400,000 to Blessings in a Backpack, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that works to provide weekend meals to children who might otherwise go hungry.

Meanwhile, at Taco Bell, all drive-thru customers received a free Nacho Cheese Doritos Locos Tacos on Tuesday. The Taco Bell Foundation, which has awarded more than $83 million in grants and scholarship since the early 90s, also donated $1 million to No Kid Hungry, a national campaign to end childhood hunger in America. And the taco chain is providing free delivery through GrubHub for all orders $12 and up — before tax, tip and fees.

Yum! Brands Foundation also launched a Global Employee Medical Relief Fund to provide financial support for restaurant employees who are diagnosed with or are caring for someone diagnosed with COVID-19.

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Donate to the fund at yum.com/giverelief. Any funds that are raised that aren’t allocated to restaurant team members will be used to support other front-line workers and those facing food insecurity.

Papa John's

With a spike in orders, Papa John's announced in late March that it would hire 20,000 team members nationwide to help match the increased demand.

The Louisville-based pizza chain has also expanded employee benefits to include free virtual doctor visits, Rob Lynch, Papa John's CEO and president, said in a release on Tuesday. Additionally, it has instituted no-contact delivery to protect workers and customers.

Texas Roadhouse

To provide relief to restaurant workers, Texas Roadhouse CEO Kent Taylor announced on March 26 that he will forgo his base salary and incentive bonus from March 18 to Jan. 7, 2021.

All of that money "will be made available to assist front-line hourly restaurant employees," according to a Securities and Exchange Commission filing.

Additionally, the Louisville-based steakhouse is offering ready-to-grill steaks for home meals.

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Long John Silver's

Long John Silver's is providing discounts on its products to all people that are helping to battle the coronavirus.

EMTs, firefighters, law enforcement, health care workers, active-duty military and teachers will receive 10% off their order every day of the week and 20% off orders on select days when they show a valid ID or employer badge to redeem the offer.

Contact Ben Tobin at bjtobin@gannett.com and 502-582-4181 or follow on Twitter @TobinBen. Support strong local journalism by subscribing today: subscribe.courier-journal.com.