“This is a book everybody should read. While on one level it is about building a movement to mobilize a community it is also about the power of ideas, the force of positivity and the grit to transform challenges into an opportunity. It will inspire you to create a movement, however tiny, of your own!”
The Takeout 25 Effect
The Takeout 25 Effect is an inspiring account of a community-driven initiative, with lasting impact. Formed in Chicago’s western suburbs during the global pandemic, Takeout 25 aimed to save local restaurants while maintaining public health. It demonstrates the power of community-centric movements by illustrating the journey of Takeout 25 through compelling personal narratives, expert insights, and actionable strategies. This book is not just a recounting of events; it is a call to action for anyone motivated to make a difference in their community and beyond. In fact, it is a toolkit for social change.
Why you should read this book
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“Having witnessed many endeavors in the non-profit sector, Parakkat’s remarkable journey during the pandemic stands out as a beacon of resilience and innovation. The Takeout 25 effect: mobilizing community for positive change captures the vital role of community, and the unwavering belief in the power of positive change. This book is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to make a meaningful impact, and I wholeheartedly endorse it as an inspirational guide to the transformative potential of purpose-driven action”
“Having triumphed over challenges on the Olympic stage and in my personal journey, I’m thrilled to witness true resilience in action. The Takeout 25 Effect: Mobilizing Community for Positive Change exudes the essence of grit, determination, and the limitless power of hope. Parakkat’s remarkable talent to not just conquer adversity but transform it into a catalyst for positive change is beyond inspiring. I enthusiastically recommend it as a wellspring of motivation and guidance for those eager to surmount obstacles and create a lasting impact in our world.”
The Takeout 25 Story
An Introduction
Ravi Parakkat, Founder and Board President discusses the origins of Takeout 25 with SAGE publications for a business school case study on Social Entrepreneurship featuring Takeout 25, created by University of Virginia – Frank Batten School of Public policy and Leadership.
For more details on Takeout 25 visit
“The Takeout 25 Effect’ by Ravi Parakkat highlights community resilience during challenging times and offers a blueprint for civic engagement and economic revival. I witnessed firsthand the extraordinary impact Takeout 25 had on the survival of businesses in River Forest and our neighboring communities in the pandemic’s aftermath. This book is a must-read for elected officials and community leaders who will see how the power of community can be harnessed for positive and lasting change.”
“The Takeout 25 Effect: Mobilizing community for positive change” is a wonderful case study on how simple ideas can make significant change in communities. The creation of this movement, born out of the need to support local restaurants during a seminal point in our global history,will certainly be replicated for so many other different causes. This book offers an excellent roadmap for anyone with an idea of promoting change and sustainability in their own community.”
Takeout 25 in the Press
Chicago Tribune article
NBC 5 coverage
Oak Park Residents Pledging $25 a Week to Help Save Restaurants amid COVID Panic
Axion News
‘Food as a Social Lubricant’: Supporting Local Restaurants; Empowering Communities
WGN Outside the Loop
Takeout 25 Oak Park
Takeout 25 Is Helping Keep Local Businesses Going during the Pandemic
Illinois’s First Green Dining District
Illinois’s First Green Dining Hub
Wednesday Journal Articles
2020
Introducing: Takeout 25 Oak Park
Food Focused Villagers of the Year in 2020
2021
Takeout 25 Embraces Spirit of the Season
Taste the Town Savoring Success
Third Time Around for Taste the Town
Financial Success for Taste the Town 3 despite Service Hiccup
Takeout 25 to Launch as nonprofit at Barrie Fest
Happy Crowd Munches through Barrie Fest, Courtesy of Takeout 25
Reinventing Nonprofits, Restaurants Team with Rush Warming Center
2022
Taste the Town: Putting the Pieces Together
Taste the Town − In Person at FitzGerald's
SEOPCO and Takeout 25 Bring a Food Focus to Barrie Fest
Takeout 25 Leading Local Green Dining Initiative
Takeout 25: Goodness and Gift Cards
2023
Takeout 25 Launches Boxed Water. A Bargain at 99 Cents.
Becoming Illinois’s First “Green Dining Hub”
Front page of the Chicago Tribune on May 13th 2021
NBC 5 Covers Takeout 25
Oak Park Residents Pledging $25 a Week to Help Restaurants Amid COVID Pandemic. WATCH THE VIDEO
WGN Radio’s Outside the Loop with Mike Stephenen
Ravi Parakkat sat down with Mike Stephen the host of WGN Outside the Loop for a quick update on Takeout 25. The episode covers recent expansion to include Austin/Galewood and discusses future plans. LISTEN TO THE PODCAST
“Parakkat’s story of the Takeout 25 movement, born out of his unwavering belief in the resilience of his community, serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration. I wholeheartedly endorse “The Takeout 25 Effect” as a must-read for anyone seeking inspiration, practical guidance, and a renewed belief in the power of community action.
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“On the surface, The Takeout 25 Effect is a fascinating story about restaurants at a specific time of crisis, but Takeout 25 is about so much more than that. Takeout 25 is an inspiring story about how a community can be engaged, united, and organized behind a cause—overcoming countless obstacles and achieving a goal. I often work with communities that are fighting to bring about the change they want to see in their own neighborhoods. They, too, can benefit from the lessons of this book. Takeout 25 is a blueprint for community mobilization in the current age and empowering others to achieve a shared vision.”
“Takeout 25 gave the community hope and validated the power of deliberate collective action. While the pandemic is still very much with us it appears that we’ve had fewer restaurant closings than other communities.”
— Don Harmon (Illinois State Senate President and Oak Park Resident)