One of the amazing things about our area is how well everyone supports each other. We see it time and time again. Through our pages, we're always sharing stories of people helping others, being inspiring, and changing our community. Now, we need to support each other more than ever.
Restaurants Band Together to Help
Upward Projects and Fox Restaurant Projects
Multiple participating restaurants; multiple Valley locations
Two of Arizona's largest restaurant groups teamed up with the goal of raising $500,000 in donations to support to hospitality workers who cannot work at this time due to the ban on in-restaurant dining from the COVID-19 crisis. Called #TakeOutForTeams, Upward Projects and Fox Restaurant Concepts (FRC) have committed to accepting donations for carryout and curbside orders. All donations from customers picking up carryout meals at these 40 combined restaurants statewide will be part of the funds benefiting #TakeOutForTeams. Plus, Fox Restaurant Concepts and Upward Projects have invited restaurants across Arizona to join them in supporting and implementing the program.
"We usually have a very healthy competitive relationship, but today it's important to team up with Upward Projects and our other local restaurant friends and encourage a movement to assist restaurant workers statewide, by raising funds with #TakeOutForTeams," says FRC founder, Sam Fox.
Restaurants that want to join this coalition should email community@upwardprojects.com.
ZuZu at Hotel Valley Ho Offers Take-out, Delivery—and an Extra Bottle of Wine
ZuZu at Hotel Valley Ho
6850 E. Main St.
ZuZu is offering a new to-go menu featuring ZuZu favorites, and a second bottle of wine included when you purchase one. One of the featured items is a new, family-style meal that serves four, and includes your choice of Bake at Home Bolognese, Blackened Petaluma Chicken, or Green Chili Pork Stew. There are also entrées, sandwiches, salads, kids’ meals, and desserts.
Want to cook at home? They offer steaks ready to be grilled, and cookie dough to go.
The to-go menu is offered from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily; place your order at 480.376.2600. Valet parking is complimentary for those heading to ZuZu, and free delivery is offered within five miles (min. order required). Plus, it’s chef-crafted food that helps a great cause—10% of proceeds are donated to the Ronald McDonald House.
Fernando the Sloth Says Hello
Phoenix Zoo
455 N. Galvin Pkwy.
Cameo.com/fernandothesloth; PhoenixZoo.org
In this time of social distancing, which has resulted in numerous postponed or cancelled events and celebrations such as weddings and graduations, the Phoenix Zoo is offering a unique way to stay connected to your friends and family—via its sloth, Fernando!
As Fernando has become one of the Valley’s most famous residents, the Zoo felt that it only seemed natural to have Fernando join Cameo, a website where people can book personalized messages from their favorite celebrities. Currently $25 (pricing may vary), you can request a customized message from Fernando and his keeper. Messages will be recorded once per week, and then sent out to the appropriate person.
Although he lives life in the slow lane, Fernando is committed to using his fame to help raise needed funds for his home and fellow animal residents at the nonprofit Phoenix Zoo. And, this is just one of the many ways you can support the Zoo during its closure.
Enjoy White Glove Curbside Service
Steak 44, Ocean 44, Dominick’s Steakhouse
5101 N. 44th St.; 15169 N. Scottsdale Road; 4748 N. Goldwater Blvd.
Steak44.com; Ocean44.com; DominicksSteakhouse.com
In response to pandemic, Steak 44, Ocean 44, and Dominick’s Steakhouse are open daily for white glove curbside service of their full menu, as well as their complete wine lists, from noon-9 p.m. daily.
“My family has been in the restaurant industry for more than 50 years and we have never experienced anything close to what our industry is going through right now. We just hope everyone will remain safe and follow protocols so we can all re-open our dining rooms soon,” says co-owner Jeff Mastro, who was recently nominated alongside his brother Mike Mastro for Outstanding Restaurateur of the Year by the James Beard Foundation.
As well, Steak 44 partnered with the Rizzo Family Foundation in early April to deliver approximately 50 meals to doctors, nurses, and staff working in the Emergency Room at Phoenix Children’s Hospital.
Shop Local
EVO Scottsdale Market
4175 N. Goldwater Blvd.
Those who don’t want to head to the grocery store can shop at a local restaurant-turned-market, including EVO Scottsdale, which has transformed into EVO Scottsdale Market. The market now features a rotating list of daily essentials such as fresh vegetables and fruit, eggs, pasta sauce, and dried pasta. Some favorite EVO Scottsdale entrées are also available.
“I feel that we can use our ability to order groceries, etc., from our vendors and get them to our community. With that idea in mind, we created EVO Scottsdale Market,” says EVO owner Nick Neuman. “The items are starting off simple, but we are open to any other items to offer and can update our website with each new item we are adding.”
EVO Scottsdale Market pick-up is available between 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Orders must be received by 5 p.m. the day before for next-day pick-up, plus limited delivery is available.
SUPPORT LOCAL DURING THE CORONAVIRUS—AND AFTER!
· DINE IN BY DINING OUT—Support local restaurants by ordering carry-out or delivery as often as you can.
· BUY GIFT CARDS—Save them for later, give them to someone on the front lines, give them to a stranger and make their day. Keep the denomination low enough that extra money will be spent by the person using it (for example, if you want to spend $40, get two $20 gift cards and spread the love).
· SHOP LOCAL VIRTUALLY—Many small business have service and product listings online, or call up the owner and let them know what you need. Pick it up curbside, via delivery, or have it shipped.
· SKIP THE CHAINS AND BUY LOCAL—Coffee shops, wine stores, butchers, bakeries, flower shop, bookstore, hardware store, etc.
· TIP EXTRA GENEROUSLY, IF YOU CAN—Workers who rely on tips are getting much less than normal right now.
· HELP MARKET THE BUSINESSES YOU LOVE—Share on social media specials, promotions, great service, all your favorites, why you love them. Leave good reviews.
· DONATE TO YOUR FAVORITE CHARITY—The need is especially great during tough times.
· APPRECIATE THOSE PROVIDING FOR US EVERY DAY—Send a meal, a treat, gift cards, flowers, or any token of appreciation to let the health care workers, first responders, and grocery workers know their efforts are important.
· SCHEDULE APPOINTMENTS FOR THE FUTURE—This is temporary and good luck getting an appointment for a haircut, massage, or your nails done when things start getting back to normal!
· ENROLL IN ONLINE CLASSES YOU NORMALLY TAKE OFFLINE
· HOLIDAY SHOP EARLY AND LOCAL—Order gifts, gift baskets, gift cards, theater tickets, etc. now to give over the holidays.
