At the time I am writing this social distancing is the right thing to do, full stop. But the worry is that if everyone stays home, we won’t just shut down Covid-19, we’ll shut down small businesses as well. Most local businesses have already lost massive amounts of revenue as people self-quarantined, and in Arizona some were mandated to close like our salons, gyms, restaurant dining, & more. With potentially weeks’ worth of lost income, the local businesses that are so integral to the fabric and character of Gilbert may not have the margin to survive. So maybe quit panic buying toilet paper and start panic-buying stuff from the local stores, restaurants and service providers you care about. Here’s a few local businesses that would really appreciate your support right now and have some great creative ways to still purchase things in a safe way.
Fred Astaire Dance Studio
1435 E Warner Road | Gilbert, AZ 85296 P: 480-993-0977 gilbert@fredastaire.com At Fred Astaire Dance Studios, our passion is helping to enrich lives – physically, mentally, emotionally and socially – through the positive, transforming power of dance. There are thousands of reasons why people start dance lessons… and once we show you how much fun ballroom dancing can be, we know you’ll want to keep coming back. From wedding dance instruction, a new hobby or way to connect with your partner, improving your social life, physical and emotional health. Lessons are available in both private and group format. Weekly social dance parties and events. We have gift cards available and are hosting virtual dance parties. We invite you to check out our website to find out when our next classes will be starting or buy a gift for a friend.
Hand and Stone Massage 2765 S. Market St. Gilbert, AZ 85295 – 480-237-4496 Email- Mgr.gilbert@handandstone.com https://handandstone.com/locations/az-gilbert In a stress-filled world, our full body Massage will relieve tension, soothe tired muscles and temper migraines. We offer several choices including Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports and more! Be sure to ask us about our Signature Hot Stone Massage, designed to melt away the stress of deadlines and hectic schedules. Interested in our facial services? We know radiant, healthy skin reflects how you look and feel. Hand and Stone's facials are performed by certified Estheticians and are individually tailored for Women, Men or Teens. Hand & Stone Gift Cards are still the perfect gifts for teachers, moms, and first responders. We are able to process your order locally over the phone and are offering delivery or curb side pick up of gift cards.
Caldwell County BBQ 18324 E Nunneley Rd, Gilbert, AZ – www.caldwellcountybbq@gmail.com https://www.caldwellcountybbq.com/ 480-892- 0512 After over 20 years Clay Caldwell was OUT. The former pig farmer and founder of Waldo’s BBQ had sold his restaurants to his partner in 2014 and sauntered off into semi-retirement. But he wasn’t the first to be inspired by a trip to Central Texas, and he likely won’t be the last. One taste of Texas brisket convinced Clay he needed to get back into the bbq game. If you love BBQ, then you’re going to LOVE Caldwell County BBQ. They take great pride and care in preparing their simple back-to-basics Texas-style BBQ. Our meat is 100% wood-smoked, fueled with a mixture of mesquite and pecan—no gas, no electricity. Please visit is for curbside pick up of family meals, or purchase gift certificates online
HG Roastery
2556 S. Val Vista Dr, Ste 101 Gilbert info@hgroastery.com – 480-821-7020 www.hgroastery.com The founder of HG, Dianna Cameron would bake at her Grandmother’s house any chance she got. She loved baking so much at home that she wanted to pursue it in the workplace. Dianna has been in the food industry since her early teenage years. Her love of baking made her want open a bakery, however that be enough to sustain the business. With many avenues to choose she asked her children to help her decide on what type of food service she should open. They all decided on a café and coffee shop. However, they decided to create everything in house (including roasting the coffee. They are now offering curb side take away, gift cards, and delux family breakfasts that are perfect to take home.
Wrapped with Ribbon
4844 S Val Vista Dr A111, Gilbert, AZ 85298 (480) 687-4904 https://wrappedwithribbon.net Kim, Leon, Jason and Caspian, a family with a passion for spreading kindness and celebrating something everyday. We truly believe in the transformative power of kindness, laughter, and compassion. We are excited to help you with your shopping needs, find that perfect gift for someone or a little treat for yourself…goodness, you deserve it! Kim is offering great deals through her website and you can sign up for text notices. She has amazing gifts in stock for Mother’s Day or just fun items because we could all use a pick me up.
The Farm Store at Agritopia
16456-16598 E Ray Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85296 (480) 988-1238 The Farm Store is open daily from 7am-7pm. Since we're often busy out in the fields, it is a self service store. Certified Organic freshly harvested produce is available in the store, based on the season. We love our local community and carry a variety of other local goods in the store. Come and visit! You can also sign up for for Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Membership that creates a relationship between the community and their local farmers by purchasing produce before it is harvested. It is a weekly care package of assorted fruits and vegetables to support the farm to table culture!
How Can you help our local businesses?
1. Buy a gift card. Businesses need cash flow right now, and the easiest way to help them out is to buy some gift cards to use down the road. Lots of shops are offering gift card bonuses right now, so treat yourself. Even better, treat someone else. Email a gift card that lets your nurse friend order some after-work tacos. Donate an art store gift card to your local school. Or stock up on cards from coffee shops, nail salons, yoga studios and bookstores to hand out as gifts down the road.
2. Get delivery. Hanging out in your favorite diner is not a good look at the moment. Luckily, most restaurants and shops have stepped up options like delivery or curbside pickup so you can minimize contact with humans. If you can afford it, commit to ordering in a few meals this week.
3. Shop local online. Lots of local shops keep at least some inventory available to order online. That boutique bag you’ve been eyeing? The great piece of local art? Now’s the time to treat yourself. This is a perfect time to support indie bookstores, too. Many of them have closed to the public but are offering free shipping, curbside pickup and local deliveries.
4. Tip like a boss. It’s a crappy time to be a waiter, delivery driver, or barista, because not only are they likely working fewer hours, they’re getting fewer tips from their nonexistent customers. If you can afford it, make someone’s day with a massive tip.
5 Schedule a service for later. COVID-19 has created the ultimate cancel culture, but all those missed reservations and skipped services are stressing out local workers. If you can, schedule work with a cleaner, a painter, a plumber, a contractor or a salon. Simply knowing that work is coming their way can alleviate some anxiety and make a big difference in helping them weather this difficult time.
