As a small business, we know from experience that entrepreneurs are stronger together. This month, we salute local food businesses that are moving forward and innovating in this crazy, uncertain time. Here are their stories:
💡Makers Connect with Customers at a Social Distance
During our recent online workshop, Kia Palmer, pastry chef and co-owner of Palmer’s and Ester Mallach, co-founder, co-owner and head baker at Ester’s Treats each explained how they’re changing the way they do business.
After closing her shop to the public, Kia dialed up her social media skills and pivoted her business online. Customers now order from a selection of her regular offerings which she bakes one day a week for pick up.
With farmers markets still figuring out how social distancing will work, Ester recently moved from a cash-based, face-to-face business to online ordering with contactless delivery, a big change.
In addition to contactless delivery for locals and curbside pickup at the Montclair Farmers Market, Adventure Kitchen is offering wholesale pricing to anyone who’s struggling financially, no questions asked.
Suitcase Bakery has started online pre-orders with a separate pick-up table at the Denville Farmers’ Market.
💡Small Businesses Feed Frontline Heroes
So Fresh So Clean Meal Prep’s Steve Cortopassi and Gina Hascup delivered their signature meals to medical workers at St. Joseph’s hospital in Paterson and a family medical practice.
Chef Renee Blackman prepared, delivered and donated 300 meals (check out this video!) to doctors, nurses and frontline medical personnel.
Nutrition for Longevity delivered meals to Morristown Medical Center and started nonprofit United 4 Longevity to provide nutrient-rich snacks and meals to ICU and other healthcare workers.
💡How to Pivot in a Changing Marketplace
Terry Frishman and Deborah Engel, two business consultants who were panelists in our recent webinar, are both helping food entrepreneurs adapt.
Terry, founder and owner of Culinest, brainstorms creative solutions for companies to grow and reach customers.
Deborah moderates the Coronavirus Relief for Freelancers and Small Businesses Facebook group and offers virtual memberships to Work and Play, her coworking space.
Has Covid-19 impacted your business? We’d love to share your story – drop us a line.
Need help? Check out our resources page.