The order to close businesses in FL has left many of us asking how we can best support small businesses during this crisis. If you can financially do so, please consider going out of your way to support locally-owned SE Orlando businesses and organizations right now. Here are seven ideas on how to do that:
1. Order takeout
Bars and restaurants have been ordered closed, but many are finding ways to offer takeout. Some are even offering delivery services for the first time. Call your favorite local restaurants or visit their Facebook pages to find out what alternatives they're offering customers.
- Designer Greens
(407) 282-8588
464 N. Alafaya Trail
Orlando, Florida 32828 - Chicken Fire
609 Irvington Ave
Orlando, Florida 32803 - Sticky Rice Lao Street Food
(321) 800-6532
1915 East Colonial Drive
Orlando, Florida 32803 - BBQ 50 Catering
(407) 929-9350
Avalon Park
Orlando, Florida 32828 - Island Thyme
(321) 804-5357
457 Avalon Park South Boulevard #600
Orlando, Florida 32828 - Goodfella's Orlando
(407) 658-6615
11873 E Colonial Dr
Orlando, Florida 32826 - Slapfish
(407) 866-1804
783 N. Alafaya Trail
Orlando, FL 32828 - The Meatball Stoppe
(407) 270-6505
7325 Lake Underhill Rd
Orlando, Florida 32822 - Se7enbites
(407) 203-0727
617 N Primrose Dr
Orlando, Florida 32803 - Market On South
(407) 613-5968
2603 E South St.
Orlando, Florida 32803
If you are a local restaurant offering take out at this time, please fill out this form to make us aware! Fill this out!
2. Change your habits
You might only grocery shop at Publix or Wal-Mart typically. But those large businesses have more resources to help employees and stay in business throughout this crisis. Instead, think about stopping at places like locally-owned Paramount Butcher Shop, located at 448 S Alafaya Trl Orlando, Florida 32828.
3. Plan ahead
Have a birthday party to plan for later this year? Reserve a location or entertainer now. That support -- and a down payment! -- will give small business owners a boost during a scary time for them.
- Golden Tiara Princess Parties - they are currently offering Character Skype calls, receive a letter and a necklace from a princess, or have your kiddo receive a call from a princess! What a great way to bring a smile to our kiddos faces!!
- Creative Play & Party - East Orlando's hub for imaginative play AND they are available for all your birthday party needs. While they are remaining closed due to COVID 19 you can still check out their party packages here.
- Xtreme Jumper and Slides
4. Make summer camp plans
It might be hard to picture right now, given the situation, but summer is just a few months away. Now is the time to plan for summer for your kids. Then reserve those spots for camps now. Businesses and organizations will appreciate that support!
5. Buy gift certificates
Almost any business will allow you to buy a gift certificate for later use. Most have online options. That will give them the cash they can use now to pay bills and employees, and you can look forward to spending it when restrictions have lifted. Gift certificates aren't just for restaurants -- here's some other business offering gift cards.
- Millie Moo's
- Star Performance Cleaning
- Nailed It DIY Orlando
- MyGym Waterford Lakes
- Woof Gang Bakery
- Tinkergarten
6. Don't ask for your money back
Extracurriculars canceled? Gyms closed? Daycare shuttered? Consider asking for makeup classes or time rather than asking for your money back. They need every penny you can afford to offer right now to stay solvent and pay employees.
7. Donate to Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida
While many secondhand stores are not accepting donations or consignment currently because of the coronavirus, places like Second Harvest Food Bank of Central FL are helping families suffering during this crisis. You can make cash donations online, $10 provides 40 meals!