How To Help Your Local Businesses Through COVID-19

Opinion | Emma O'Connell

Dec. 1st, 2020

We have all seen the impact COVID-19 has on our communities, with successful local retail shops, local businesses, and local bars and restaurants shutting down due to a lack of governmental aid during the second wave of COVID-19, which were followed by the second round of restrictions put in place by Governor Tim Waltz late November.

I remember my first day on the clock. I was introduced to an army of alcohol-filled spray bottles, boiling hot buckets of eco-sani, and a staff whose faces I never truly got to know behind their masks. Nonetheless, spirits were always high. It was as though the staff absorbed the new strict regulations and ran with them as if nothing had changed. The staff worked tirelessly to maintain the safest possible environment for their guests, all while maintaining a smile, a pleasant attitude, and a genuine sense of community.

“What can we do?” I remember asking during my final shift at the Handsome Hog, only two weeks before the restaurant had to take an unexpected halt.

“Tell everyone you know to come out and support us the best they can, and to continue to support us once we re-open.” Those were the words of my manager, Dylan Howe. He then presented handmade hats that they would be selling throughout the winter. “Anything helps.” Many bars and restaurants sell an item or two of apparel, and now is the time to stock up.

However, even despite the cult following The Handsome Hog has acquired, the numbers just weren’t adding up. Orders were slow, and the decision had to be made. The decision to shut down weighs heavily on all of our staff, especially the managers. No employer wants to leave their employees without a job, especially under these circumstances.

The best way to support the local businesses in your area is use their services in lieu of other larger companies. Shop at your local Mississippi CO-OP instead of Trader Joe’s or Walmart. Instead of Christmas shopping at Target, hit local shops and boutiques like Patina or a local vintage or second hand store. Instead of ordering takeout from Olive Garden or Panera bread, search for the best locally owned bars and restaurants in your area. Gift cards for these places also help tremendously.

Taking care of the businesses in your community is more essential than ever, including the owners. Next time you stop in, check in with the employees. A simple “how has your week been?” or “I love your [business], thank you for being open.” has the ability to change someone’s day. Kind words go very far.

It’s through your small contributions as a consumer that keep these businesses afloat, at a time they need you the most.