Ways to support local small businesses during COVID-19

Hi my Beer Lovers!

So what’s new? We are working from home, making happy hour virtual with Zoom, giving Tik Tok a try, and/or watching a series on Netflix about a woman who (probably) fed her 2nd husband to a tiger.

One piece of good news: New York liquor stores have been deemed “essential” and are still open. Hooray! Many other states have also kept the alcohol flowing such as Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, and California. Stricter states such as Pennsylvania are allowing breweries to remain open for Pick Up & Delivery options.

It appears that even through a pandemic, beer is continuing to prevail. However, the industry needs our continued support.

We can still be supporting local small businesses (if they are open or temporarily closed) during this time of uncertainty. By doing this we can help our favorite places stay in business and aiding their staff.

Here are a few ways to support businesses while being cooped up at home:

1. Giftcards
   
   Many businesses are offering digital giftcards that can be spent now or when we are finally allowed out of our homes again.
   
   Examples: Beer Street
   
   
2. Growler & Crowlers
   
   Growler and Crowler sales means higher profits for them and more beer for you! Bring your own growler or opt for one of theirs. Either way – you’ll have a good supply of quality beer and an excuse to drink it quickly.
   
   Examples: Hops Hill, Brouwerij Lane, Harlem Hops
   
   
3. Donations
   
   Venmo and GoFundMe donation pages have been set up for many businesses to support their staff. Every small donation helps – but, if you can, try to donate the amount of money you would normally spend at your favorite spots.
   
   I have personally found that Instagram is the easiest way to keep up with donation pages.
   
   Examples: Astoria Bier & Cheese, The Well Brooklyn, The Owl Farm
   
   
4. Take Out/Delivery
   
   Tons of restaurants are offering beer at discounted prices with and without the order of takeout food – but why not order a date night dinner with your beer?
   
   Examples: Keg & Lantern, Glasserie, The Meat Hook
   
   
5. Merch
   
   Support your favorite businesses by buying their merchandise. You’ll be able to change up your quarantine wardrobe and give support.
   
   Examples: Merch Aid
   
   
6. Share Information!
   
   I am a freelancer and my income has been severely impacted by this pandemic – but we can all help by sharing information! Sharing GoFundMe pages, encouraging people you know who are still making their incomes to donate, purchase, & share.

If you have other ideas on how to help please email me at chrissy@chrissyconnors.com! I will be revising this post periodically to make sure all information stays relevant!

p.s. If you are like me and indulging in more than a few drinks in a day – check out Toast and their delicious anti-hangover supplements based out of my hometown of Boston!

Talk soon ❤

*Cheers* 

Brewing Beauty ❤