"We wanted to do our bit to make a difference. Hospitality is an important part of the economy and obviously the industry has taken a massive hit."
The campervan visited Tauranga cafes including Cafe 88, The General, Mexicali Fresh, Cafe Anatolia Tauranga and Hello Rosie today and Rotorua's AVC Cafe, Capers Cafe, Abracadabra Cafe and the Blue Lake tomorrow. Fitzgerald said the campaign was about encouraging people back out into their communities and "creating memories" and socialising at their favourite local again.
"The economic benefits are huge for supporting your locals and keeping the money in the community."
Farrah's co-owner Jovan Canak said the hospitality industry was where the business first started out and was still an important part of the company today.
"It's pretty tough to see what's happening out there to these remarkable hard-working people and their businesses."
Canak said there was no better way than to take action by hitting the road to help reconnect New Zealand consumers with their past traditions and memories of dining at their local eateries.
"It's about the little positive things we can all do that can help," he said.
"Unfortunately, we won't be able to touch every town on our trip, but we hope the message of 'loving your local' can resonate as a priority for consumers.
"Providing support during this hardship and helping to make a difference is what this road trip is all about."