In March, it felt as if the whole world screeched to a halt when the COVID-19 novel coronavirus ravaged the world. Governor Kevin Stitt ordered that non-essential businesses close, that residents shelter in place and hundreds of bars and restaurants were forced to close their dining rooms to the public. Yet, local businesses found a way to survive.
1. Water's Edge Winery - After approval by the ABLE Commission, Waters Edge Winery began delivery of bottled wine on March 26. Orders were placed Wednesday through Friday and fans could also stop by and pick up bottles at the winery. Made locally with the world’s finest grapes, Waters Edge Winery – OKC is a family-owned winery offering handcrafted wines from grapes gathered from around the world. Each wine is blended, fermented, oaked, racked, filtered and bottled right in the Oklahoma facility.
2. Prairie Wolf Vodka - Located in Guthrie, this grassroots distillery made the jump from producing vodka to hand sanitizer in March. Master distiller and co-owner of Prairie Wolf Spirits Erik Tekell was first a biochemist, so he recognized the need to have hand sanitizer available during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Prairie Wolf produced more than 5,000 gallons of hand sanitizer, which they are sold curbside at local restaurants.
3. Eyes, Etc. - As an eye-health medical office, Eyes, Etc. at 6508 N Western Ave, Nichols Hills, was considered an essential business. Terry Furrh knew he would have to keep his office open for customers needing prescription eyeglasses or exams, but he made sure his business was clean as a whistle. He set up a table by the door that included gloves, hand sanitizer, disinfectants and masks for use by the public, and even offered one-on-one appointments. Patients were allowed to pick up frames themselves, which were quickly disinfected right afterward, and the office was deep cleaned and sanitized every weekend. Terry also had a "no-touch" policy in place when inspecting patients.
4. Krista Anne's - When non-essential businesses were ordered to close, Krista Anne's Boutique at 7602 N May Ave., closed its doors and offered personal, one-on-one shopping only. Krista Souther also connected with her customers via social media to help keep them up-to-date on new offerings and fashion advice. She also used the time to overhaul the website to make online ordering, curbside pickup and delivery easier.
5. Robert Baxter Electric - Home service companies like Robert Baxter Electric were also considered essential businesses during the shelter-at-home orders. However, if a customer needed electrical repair, he put in place ways to protect his staff and his clients. Workers wore gloves and practiced social distancing when they entered a home. Non-emergency jobs were put on the back burner until the restrictions were lifted, and Baxter himself instituted a protocol for each job in which he asked every client if they had an illness in the home. "YES, we are open and ready to serve the electrical needs of any of the people of Edmond or OKC. Electrical needs are very important.," said Baxter. "An electrician keeps your house from shorts and other problems that could become a fire hazard. Yes, we are here for everyone." In this challenging time, local businesses need your support more than ever.
