Support Local
Houstonians have proven time and again that they are made of resolve and resilience. Maybe it’s the Texas spirit infused in us, or perhaps it is just plain old stubbornness, but as a community, we have weathered our fair share of storms and come out the other side stronger than we went in.
Although COVID-19 is a different kind of storm, one we’ve never seen before, local businesses found a way to come together (at a socially appropriate distance) and shine a light on just how strong our community is.
Dish Society
Multiple Locations
Already one of the most prominent purveyors of locally sourced food in Houston, Dish Society took their love of local one step further by providing their customers with a virtual farmers market. A “Farm Box” full of local produce, meats, eggs, milk, bread, and tortillas from Houston area farmers, ranchers, and food artisans was available at three of the farm-to-table restaurant’s locations. Dish Society was not only able to support local farmers, but through this initiative, they were able to provide their employees with additional hours.
In addition to their to-go and delivery service options, the restaurant also provided half-priced meals to hospitality professionals. As a way to help first responders and health care workers, customers were able to purchase a $15 meal, which Dish Society would deliver to one of 10 local hospitals and first responder units.
MAD and BCN Taste & Tradition
4444 Westheimer Rd, HTX 77027
MAD and BCN Taste & Tradition may be owner Ignacio Torras and executive chef Luis Roger’s love letter to Spain, but they wrote a new love letter – this time to the hospitality workers of Houston and their families. Beginning in late March, the restaurants teamed up to start a curbside community kitchen. Their goal was to serve 200 complimentary meals to hospitality workers and their families.
A common practice in the hospitality industry, Family Meals are when staff come together before their shift starts to enjoy a meal together. When restaurants and bars were shut down in Houston, many hospitality workers were left without this daily treat. MAD and BCN Taste & Tradition stepped in to fill the void with their curbside kitchen and served over 800 meals to individuals in need.
Urban Harvest Farmers Market
2752 Buffalo Speedway, HTX 77098
https://www.urbanharvest.org/farmers-market/
What started as a handful of vendors in 2004 has turned into one of the largest farmers markets in Texas, supporting over 70 local farmers market vendors. Exempt from the executive order shutting down bars and restaurants and with the guidance of local, state, and federal officials Urban Harvest remained open. By doing so, the farmers market provided support to some of the hardest-hit regional farms and small businesses.
Urban Harvest implemented a curbside pickup service for those who preordered or participated in the online produce boxes so that customers never had to leave their cars. To ensure the safety of both customers and vendors, handwashing stations, as well as other health and safety measures were implemented throughout the market.
Bread Man Baking Co.
When shelves at grocery stores were wiped out of kitchen staples like bread, Bread Man Baking Co. began hosting popups where customers could pick up a loaf of fresh-baked artisan bread at a discounted price of $5, without waiting in line or touching a grocery cart. Even better, hospitality workers got their loaves at even deeper discounts.
The wholesale bread company, which began in 2018, provides bread to many Houston area restaurants, hotels, as well as HEB and Whole Foods Market grocery stores. When COVID-19 cost them business on the hospitality side, they were still able to get their bread into the hands of customers through their popups and increased grocery store locations.
Our Care Senior Solutions
430 Highway 6 South, Suite 209, HTX 77079
https://ourcareseniorsolutions.com/
The most vulnerable population and their caregivers still needed help during even the hardest times of COVID-19, and Our Senior Care Solutions never wavered in their approach to helping those in need. They knew that social distancing didn’t have to mean social isolation for seniors and provided caregiving services, all the while ensuring their caretakers were taking proper precautions to keep everyone safe.
ThrIVe Drip Spa
Multiple Locations
ThrIVe Drip Spa, with multiple locations and concierge services, has seen an uptick in appointment requests. Although the wellness spa has a variety of IV services, including everything from a detox drip to a beauty drip which promises to tighten and brighten from the inside out - the most requested service on their drip menu as of late is the High C drip. The immunity-boosting drip consists of 10 grams of Vitamin C which is the highest dose available.
Following strict sanitation guidelines is already commonplace for ThrIVe Drip Spa. Still, whether it is at one of their locations or a house call – they are making sure that CDC guidelines are met for the safety of both patients and staff.
How can you help your local businesses?
Order Takeout or Delivery
Keep your favorite local restaurants in mind and order from them directly instead of using a delivery service. Call ahead to place your order to avoid waiting during busy meal times.
Don’t forget to Tip
Everyone in the hospitality industry is feeling the cash crunch right now, so make it a point to tip generously if you can.
Purchase Gift Cards
Purchase gift cards from local businesses to ensure they have cash flow right now, as well as activity in the future. Many have their gift cards available online or over the phone.
Keep Shopping
Instead of buying from large retailers, keep your local shops and boutiques front and center for your next purchase.
Donate
Many non-profits are struggling more than ever to meet their goals. Whether it is food, blood, or money, consider donating to your favorite local non-profit agency.