When Governor Baker announced that all non-essential businesses must close, shock rippled through Massachusetts. Some of the most frequently visited businesses in the city were mandated to shut down - salons, spas, fitness centers, retail establishments and restaurants, to name a few. Business owners suddenly found themselves either closed OR they were considered an essential business. As homeowners quarantined at home, most of these local essential businesses had to shift the way in which they did business. Many have found a way to make it work, logging long hours to ensure Westfield and Southwick residents’ needs are met. As the stay-at-home mandate lifts, many of our non-essential businesses will return to business, as usual! We don’t know about you, but we will be first in line to support our local establishments. In the meantime, read on to see how these businesses stepped up in our time of need.
It Takes 2 Bakery
31 Elm St, Westfield MA
(413) 579-8545
As an essential business, It Takes 2 Bakery is offering cake and cupcake kits for kids to decorate at home. These kits come complete with buttercream frosting, piping bag, and sprinkles! Delivery and pick up available. Yum!
It Takes 2 Bakery is a specialty bake shop founded by twin sisters, Kayla and Sarah Sypek. Sarah runs the business side, and makes sure all the customer needs are addressed. Kayla, a talented pastry chef, is the cake artist of the two. She has been obsessed with cakes and everything sweet since she was a child. Kayla attended Johnson & Wales University (JWU) in Providence, RI where she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a B.S. in Baking & Pastry Arts. She also holds a B.S. in Business Management from Westfield State University. During her studies at JWU, she spent a trimester abroad in France, studying under the finest French pastry chefs. Through these opportunities and over 5 years of experience, Kayla has become a talented pastry chef that focuses on producing homemade quality treats that will leave your taste buds tingling for more.
Two Rivers Burrito Co.
36 Elm St Westfield, MA
(413) 579-5469
Two Rivers Burrito has remained open throughout the pandemic. With daily lunch and dinner specials posted online, customers can simply call ahead with their order.
The hard-working TRB team will schedule the pickup time, and hand deliver the order right to the customer’s car door. Family and friend-run since 2013, the TRB owners state, "Two Rivers Burrito Co. is the brainchild of four longtime friends who wanted to bring a little flavor back to Downtown Westfield. We insist on offering high quality meals, value pricing, quick clean service, a welcoming atmosphere, and premier customer service. Dishes are made fresh daily using local ingredients. We look forward to seeing you soon!"
Tin Bridge Brewing Co.
487 East Main Street Westfield, MA
(413) 642-6418
On April 22nd, Tin Bridge started offering togo crowlers and food truck meal options. A menu of 32oz Beer Crowlers is available weekly, with Bear’s BBQ providing their wares on Wednesdays and Crazy Arepas on Thursdays.
Tin Bridge has an interesting history. A home brew project that started three years ago has grown into Westfield’s first visitable craft brewery. Founded by Joe Cocchi, guitarist for the popular metalcore band Within the Ruins, along with his brother Nick, Tin Bridge Brewing has opened its doors and started pouring. Located in an unassuming building next to the Big Y grocery store, the micro brewery features a large taproom that looks into the brew house, and includes a long bar, plenty of communal tables, shuffleboard and a few classic video games.
Andrew Grant Diamond Center
55 Southwick Rd Westfield, MA
(413) 562-2432
Owned by Bob and Lynn Grant, and with the help of their daughter Stephanie Herring, Andrew Grant continues to serve their customers during the state-wide shut down. They provide on-line shopping, and call ahead services for repairs, cleaning, and purchases.
As the family at Andrew Grant states, Andrew Grant is "One Store Specializing in One Thing...Quality! To show you that we mean it, we only carry quality materials and lines. All of our gold jewelry is 14 karat or better; all of our platinum jewelry is 90% pure, or better; all of the colored stones we carry are genuine, and any treatments done are fully disclosed; and all of the diamonds we carry, regardless of size or importance in a piece of jewelry, are of a good, or better, quality. We are recognized members of The American Gem Society and Retail Jewelers Organization. We're so confident in the work that we do that services and repairs, completed at our store, have a lifetime replacement on almost all the chains and bracelets we sell; a lifetime guarantee option for battery replacement; a laser welder to ensure precision repair work; and the offer of a cad-cam service for special orders."
Red Riding Hood's Basket
108 Congamond Rd Southwick, MA
(413) 569-2300
Throughout the pandemic, Red Riding Hood’s Basket owners Michael and Moe Shea donated multiple rounds of care packages to the people of Restaurant Depot. They created a new online order website, where customers could order their curbside pick-up of an "Old School" Sunday Dinners to-go.
“We are a local, small business supporting other local businesses. We strive to use as much local produce, products, and services as possible. We have formed partnerships with Holcomb Farm, The Gran-Val Scoop, Sussmann’s Blueberries, Billy C’s Raw Honey, Lost Acres Vineyard, Westfield River Brewing Co., Maple Corner Farms and the list goes on. Our top of the line coffee is also locally roasted at Esselon Coffee Roasting Co. in Hadley MA. On top of working with all these great businesses, we make the majority of our food from scratch just like Grandma used to. We believe in working with great, real ingredients and a lot of love (aka butter and sugar)."
New England Bike
512 College Hwy Southwick, MA
(413) 569-1874
New England Bike is an essential business and open during the state-wide shut down. Their services include curbside pick up of all repairs & new bike sales, parts and accessories. Simply call ahead and talk with any one of their friendly staff!
Owner Seth James is celebrating his 20 year anniversary, and states, "The shop was opened in June 2000 after deciding I needed to find something I actually enjoyed doing. It wasn't easy growing something from nothing but I worked way too much for the first few years all while continuing to race bikes at the pro level. As time went by, I was able to hire reliable staff and expand into larger storefronts. Our inventory and capabilities grew every year. 20 years later, I find myself in a great location, still in the great town of Southwick, and happy I made that decision 20 years ago to give it all this a shot."
North Elm Butcher Block
37 N. Elm St Westfield, MA
(413) 562-6759
During the pandemic, the Puza family at North Elm Butcher Block did not miss a beat. They completely transformed their business from a brick and mortar retail establishment to a remote order/curbside pickup business model. Over the quarantine weeks, they generously donated food to the area’s first responders. In addition, they donated enough food to cover a full day of meal service programs for the Boys and Girls Club.
A family legacy starting back in 1947, the Puzas are committed to excellence in bringing the best meats, seafood, and deli with great customer service to Westfield. The Butcher Block continues to have a following of incredible loyal customers who have all become extended family. And, during Westfield’s greatest time of need, it is clear that they have gained even more dedicated customers.
