With the current Coronavirus pandemic and advice to stay at home, the hospitality industry is facing its biggest challenge yet: paying rent and salaries without any customers. It’s the small independent food businesses that suffer most, but there are several ways we can support them during this difficult time – see below for my top tips and please let me know if there’s anything I should add (just slide into my DM’s on Instagram).
Get your favourite food delivered
It might seem as an obvious one, but many small independent businesses didn’t do delivery until now. Besides the option to order on delivery platforms such as Deliveroo, many food businesses are taking matters in their own hands by offering a delivery service in the local area – either through a quick DM, text message or phone call, often with no additional cost for the delivery service. Take a look on Instagram of your favourite spot to see how you can help.
Visit your local while practicing social distancing
Some small cafés are still open, offering a limited menu of food and drink to take-away with social distancing measurements in place. Join the queue, grab your coffee and treat yourself to breakfast in a box, knowing you’re supporting a small business through this difficult time.
Order products online
Did you know many bakeries and cafés have an online shop? It’s an absolute game-changer right now to show your support. Think coffee bean bags, tote bags that will last you a lifetime and kitchen essentials such as tea towels, oven gloves and aprons to make you look like a pro. You can support Crumbs & Doilies cupcakes by ordering bake-at-home kits, enjoy afternoon tea at home from Cutter & Squidge, stock up on spices from Salt The Radish or max out with 7-inch Nutella-stuffed cookies from Blondies Kitchen. The options are endless.
Buy a gift voucher
Gift vouchers are another great way to make sure small independent businesses survive, whether it’s for a friend or yourself. You can often order gift vouchers online without having to leave the house, which gives you a unique code to redeem whenever you want. Save it for a rainy day or spend it as soon as business is back to normal.
Show your support on social media and spread the word
Liking and commenting helps small business spread the word on social media. You also don’t need a massive social media following to make a difference, just by sharing tips and posts with friends or family, we can support small independent businesses together.
