Fremont has been lucky enough to have a wide-collection of independent and micro-businesses locate here, at the Center of the Universe. Local, small businesses can be the most creative, flexible and community-focused of employers. Unfortunately, however, they are also often the hardest hit during a catastrophe, like COVID-19.
One way to support our shops is by subscribing to their websites. Show Pony subscribers have been offered terrific discounts on clearance and new merchandise. Show Pony has also been asking for donations to their GoFundMe Small Business Relief, and offering gift cards to donors. Find out more on the Show Pony website.
Other retailers, like Pipe And Row, have stepped up to curbside pick-up of purchases, in addition to delivery and shipping. The majority of the on-line shop is available for 20% off, including Spring 20 arrivals. Use the code ‘SUPPORTSMALL’ to receive the discount. They will also help with purchase of gifts for others, with potential local delivery. Visit the Pipe And Row website for more information, including more methods of contact.
While barely a year-old, Sfingiday already supports over 100 small production artisans with a diverse selection of original paintings, handcrafted jewelry, ceramic gifts, aromatic body care, environmentally friendly household goods and other pieces that defy conventional descriptions. Visit the Sfingiday website to find art pieces, as well as items to improve your time at home – like unpaper towels, washable sponges, and dimpled, porcelain whisky cups!
While closed, several of our local businesses are getting long-awaited facelifts and cleanings. Kwanjai Thai is still serving for take-out, while finally getting the front of the restaurant, in one of the old Fremont mill houses, freshly painted. Fremont Coffee had to close due to the decrease in business, but the building is being cleaned and the painted touched up during the unexpected slowdown. The new tenants have taken occupancy of the former Fremont Tavern space, and begun building what will be a new diner for our neighborhood in the historic gathering space.
High Dive also got a bright paintjob for its doors, and a pair of artists have been hired to paint a ‘Tiger King’ inspired mural on the boards covering Rudy’s Barbershop. With the sidewalks empty, the artists from Paint 2 Change can work in social isolation while making these businesses look better and less attractive to graffiti vandals.
Fremont’s fabulous array of eateries keep trying to stay open, with nearly all doing delivery (Le Coin just joined Caviar and Uber Eats,) and take-out, there are always plenty of options for dining well while supporting our small restaurants. Triangle Spirits has been trying imaginative ways to reach diners, to serve up their classic, Americana fried chicken dishes. Check out the Triangle Instagram for the latest info (click here.)
As we’ve seen at The Barrel Thief, Claret Bottle Shop and their sibling locations of Purple Cafe, are having a tremendous sale of fine wines they’ve become known for serving. Get 50% the menu prices for At-Home Sipping. You can text 206/792-7999 or e-mail wine@heavyrestaurantgroup.com, and have the experts at Heavy Restaurants help with your wine preference, for pick-up or delivery. Also, right now, purchase a gift card for any Heavy Restaurant, including Fiasco and Pablo Y Pablo, and get an additional card – buy $50 in cards and receive an additional $10! Find out more at the Claret and Heavy Restaurant websites (click here.)
As we all know now, there is no predicting where the COVID-19 crisis may take us all, or how our businesses may need to change and adapt in the new normal to come. Our fabulous Fremont businesses can weather the changes, though, provided they get our support and patronage on the way.
If you know of other ways we can help our businesses, and non-profits, always contact instigator@box2219.temp.domains or 206/632-3170.