#InThisTogether: Ways you can help your community through a pandemic

Community Carries On: As we wade through uncharted territory together, one of the Downtown Little Rock Partnership's main priorities is to ensure we are doing all we can to help sustain our local businesses while keeping ourselves and our community healthy, and to encourage the public to do the same.

Below is a list of ways you can help support the local economy during these unprecedented times.

Also, keep scrolling down for a list of what changes specific businesses are making to adapt as well as useful resources.

 

Ways you can help:

 

BUY A GIFT CARD (from this handy site)

Downtown Little Rock Partnership worked with a local web developer to create a website that allows people to easily purchase gift cards online from local businesses in one centralized spot.
Simply choose which one(s) you want, and buy them right there, online. 
You can call or email Matt Price with Measure + Grow with any questions regarding this program:
matt@measureandgrow.com or (501) 650-0464
ORDER TAKEOUT/SHOP ONLINE LOCALLY
Instead of shopping or eating at a large chain, show some love for the locally owned shops and restaurants right now.
Most restaurants are offering takeout or delivery options, and most shops are offering online shopping options and free shipping.
(For restaurants looking to offer delivery, BiteSquad can get you set up in just a few days with no contract and no upfront cost.)
SKIP THE REFUND
If you can manage, forego the refund and consider your purchase a donation to that organization. Many cultural institutions are nonprofits, and event cancellations can have a devastating effect on their revenue. To find out if upcoming events end up being canceled or postponed, be sure to check for emails and/or social media updates from that organization. 
If you can afford it, leave a little extra cash for those serving you. Consider a full tip on takeout orders, and leaving a little extra for the kitchen staff, too. The same goes for baristas, delivery drivers, Uber drivers, nail salon workers, hospitality industry workers, etc. To make it easy for you, we created a Virtual Tip Jar where you can tip your favorite restaurants' employees through their venmo or paypal account. 
SEND A REFERRAL
Recommend your favorite local places to others. Better yet, share your favorites on social media for a wider audience (see next suggestion).
SHOW SOME SOCIAL MEDIA LOVE TO BUSINESSES
Leave a positive Google, Yelp, or Facebook review. Like, follow, comment and engage with businesses on social media. It’s free to you but is an enormous help to them.
MAKE A DONATION
If you’re able, consider making a donation to local nonprofits or organizations who could use the help right now. Consider cashing in your credit card rewards points and putting that money back in to the local economy in some way or another. Skipping out on asking for a refund is also an excellent form of a donation and goes farther than you'd think. 
If you can't make a monetary donation, consider donating blood if you're able. Medical facilities are always in need of blood, especially during these times. 
SOCIAL DISTANCE 
Last, but certainly not least, perhaps the most important way you can help during this pandemic is to practice good hygiene and stay away from people. All of the above suggestions can be done while continuing to obey the social distancing pleas made by our public health officials.
Our community’s health depends on all of us doing our part, however big or small.
Downtown Little Rock Partnership is committed to using its platform and resources to help our local community and businesses. Don't hesitate to reach out.
We are #InThisTogether.

What local organizations are doing (in alphabetical order):

42 Bar and Table:

  • 42 is suspending dine-in restaurant service along with the overall closure of the Clinton Presidential Center.
  • A limited lunch menu is available for curbside pick-up in Celebration Circle between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.
  • Orders can be placed by calling 501-537-0042 and more details including the menu can be found at www.42barandtable.org.

Arkansas Small Business & Technology Development Center (ASBTDC):

  • ASBTDC is gearing up to be set up as a virtual emergency site to help with disaster relief lending. For more information on ASTBC, please see http://asbtdc.org/covid-19-resources where they will be putting more information disaster funding assistance. You can also call ASBTDC at 1-800-862-2040 or e-mail at leadcenter@asbtdc.org. 

Artists Against COVID-19:

  • This group was created to provide resources to Arkansas artists, musicians, comedians, dancers, poets, etc. to help them with their online shows, submit for government help, etc.  
  • Here is a link to the group’s FB Page:  www.facebook.com/artistsagainstcovid19

Atlas Bar:

  • Atlas is offering online ordering through bite squad. 

At the Corner:

  • At the Corner is offering to-go dinner service with curbside pickup between 5-6pm. The dinners are designed to feed a family of 4 and include a dessert for $60.
  • The full daily lineup is available here, text 870.489.5250 by 8pm the evening before to place an order.

Ballet Arkansas:

  • Ballet Arkansas has taken a two-week hiatus from regular business operations. Employees are encouraged to work remotely, and rehearsals have been postponed. For the time being, dancers and staff remain on payroll without affect.
  • They have cancelled their Spring production of "Snow White", featuring a community cast of 40 dancers. This would have raised significant income for the organization and was a highly anticipated production from the community.
  • The are deliberating the postponement or cancellation of their April Master/Works program. Education programs are being adapted to an online format.
  • Those wanting to help Ballet Arkansas can make a donation by visiting www.balletarkansas.org/donate. Many professional dance companies do not have contingency plans for pandemics.
  • A message from Catherine Fothergill, Associate Artistic Director and Director of Marketing for Ballet Arkansas: “Non-profit organizations are going to be hit hard by this. While small businesses rely on daily transactions, nonprofits, specifically Ballet Arkansas, rely on a large number of transactions in very specific times. Should obstacles prevent Ballet Arkansas from operating at those times, they pose a significant risk to the fiduciary health of the organization. The impact is certainly wide-spread and will impact every business owner, nonprofit, and likely every individual. What will truly get us through this era is the reliance on the idea of "community" and the need for a large variance of small businesses, corporations and nonprofits in our city and state.”

Bark Bar: 

  • Bark Bar has limited the number of human guests allowed inside Bark Bar to ten (10) at a time, until further notice.
  • Walk-ins will be accommodated when possible, but Bark Bar is also accepting reservations for 1-hour time slots.
  • You can book your visit here: https://barkbar.com/products/bark-bar-visit.
  • Bark Bar guests are asked to practice social distancing by keeping six feet between themselves and other humans. Guests are encouraged to play with their dog in the open-air, outdoor yard.
  • Bark Bar will have plenty of hand sanitizer and disinfectants placed around Bark Bar for your use.
  • Bark Bar patrons looking for ways to help support the business are encouraged to purchase memberships, gift cards or merchandize which can be shipped. 
  • Check their social media, get in touch with them via email at BarkBarLR@gmail.com, or call 501-295-3989.

Bella Vita Jewelry: 

  • Storefront is temporarily closed to the public, but online shopping or shopping via FaceTime is encouraged. 
  • Jewelry-making kits will be available for shipping/delivery to keep you and your families busy.
  • Patrons can get free domestic shipping with code SHIPITGOOD. The store is also offering free, personal deliveries in the Little Rock area, as well as curbside pickup (outside the shop). 
  • They will be updating their social media stories and posts all day, every day.
  • A word from the owner, Brandy: “I truly feel like Bella Vita will be fine during all of this. But I do want you to recognize how important it is to support your local independent businesses. Most of us have no financial backers or corporate safety nets. Most of us are worried about rent and keeping all of our employees on payroll. And as we all enter survival mode, I personally am worried about all the little shops that keep our wholesale business afloat. BUT, I’m staying positive and trying to figure out ways to innovate. So, stick with us! Take some time to go enjoy the great outdoors and stay as safe and sane as possible! And when—not if, but when—this cloud lifts, we’ll be throwing open the doors and welcoming you all back to our little shop. Can’t wait to see you all again!”
  • If you have questions or need help, call us on our landline 501.396.9146, email us - info@bellavitajewelry.net, face time/text us 479.200.1824.

Big Whiskey’s:

  • Big Whiskey's remains open but will close early at 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays to stay in compliance with the local curfew.
  • They are offering takeout and delivery through Door Dash.
  • They have removed multiple tables and barstools from the dining room to allow for increased social distancing, and are taking additional precautions in food preparation, money handling, guest interaction, and overall cleanliness and sanitation.
  • They are also working on an "in house" delivery program for those unable to use online apps to order. 

Brave New Restaurant: 

  • Brave is offering curbside pickup for their full menu, call the restaurant to place orders.

Buenos Aires Grill and Café:

  • Online ordering for curbside pick up and/or delivery. Will still accept call in for take out orders, and BiteSquad.

Cathead’s Diner:

  • Cathead’s is offering a number of sandwiches, soup, and appetizer options boxed to-go for pickup orders. 
  • Customers can call in orders for pick-up. 

Catherine Rodgers Contemporary Art: 

  • Open for business as usual.
  • Catherine Rodgers Contemporary Art creates custom artwork for businesses, interior designers, and art lovers across Arkansas. The majority of their services are conducted over the internet, but they will deliver and install artworks with white gloves and face masks if requested.  

Chamber of Commerce:

Ciao Italian Restaurant:

  • Ciao is offering delivery of their full menu through Bite Squad and Easy Cater.
  • They are also offering a family pasta pack, designed for a family of 4, with pasta, meatballs, salad, and bread. 

City of Little Rock:

Clinton Presidential Center:

  • The Clinton Center is suspending most of its operations, including closing the permanent and temporary exhibits, research room, and the Clinton Museum Store, through March 30, 2020. 

Cliff & Susan musical duo:

  • Cliff & Susan will be performing kid-friendly, live music shows on Facebook Live Monday through Saturday from 5-9 p.m. They even take requests!
  • Cliff & Susan’s shows at Oaklawn Casino have been cancelled for two weeks due to the casino closing.
  • An example of one of their shows is available here: http://bit.ly/38NUnwk 
  • A word from Susan: “We are doing what we can as artists can help bring a much-needed light in today’s scary times.”

Community Bakery:

  • Production has been cut to almost 40% of its normal operations.
  • Eat-in area closed, but people may still come in the lobby to place and pick up orders.
  • Drive-through window is open

Content Titan:

  • Due to many projects getting postponed or canceled, clients have been reaching out needing assistance in finding ways to get their messages and stories out to their audiences. 
  • Content Titan is prepared to do whatever it takes to ensure the community still has access to professional services for getting their video messages out. 

Copper Grill:

  • Copper is allowing to-go orders and delivery within a 2 block radius of all lunch and dinner items.

Count Porkula:

  • Count Porkula is adding family meal packs starting at $50.
  • They are offering curbside pickup at The Railyard and free local delivery for all orders over $100. Full details here. 

CWP Productions:

  • CWP can assist you with making the move to Virtual Meetings, Awards Ceremonies, Religious Services,  or Conferences. 
  • CWP also is offering live stream and video recording spaces for virtual conferences, panel discussions, etc.
  • CWP is offering these services in two locations, each with an adaptable stage set backdrop.
  • The pre-recorded and live stream video studio will be at CWP Headquarters: 4209 S. Shackleford, Suite C, Little Rock, AR 72204.
  • The live event broadcast studio will be at Rock City Events & Conference Center: 6221 Colonel Glenn Road, Little Rock, AR 72204.

Delta Biscuit Co:

  • Open for business as usual.
  • Delta Biscuit Co has added Take & Bake Family Meals as an option for people to order.  

Dizzy’s Bistro:

  • Dizzy’s is allowing call in orders as well as orders. For call-in orders they will allow curbside pickup upon request.

Downtown Little Rock Partnership:

  • Downtown Little Rock Partnership was forced to postpone two of its biggest events of the year: its Annual Meeting and the Barkus on Main Mardi Gras Dog Parade. The rescheduled dates will be announced when we know more information from public health officials.
  • As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, hosting events is an important revenue source for us.
  • The best way to help Downtown Little Rock Partnership is to make a donation, and to purchase tickets to or help sponsor our events. 

Dugans Pub:

  • Dugans is allowing call in orders as well as orders through Bite Squad. For call-in orders they will allow curbside pickup upon request.

Esse Purse Museum:

  • Closed to the public.
  • Open "by appointment only.”
  • Patrons can shop on Esse’s online store and get free shipping/delivery: www.essepursemuseum.com 

Family Promise of Pulaski County:

  • Family Promise set up the first public hand-washing station in downtown Little Rock in front of Second Baptist Church, across from StewPot.
  • They plan to add additional stations.

Fassler Hall:

  • Fassler is allowing online ordering and delivery service in addition to call-in orders.
  • They will also allow pickup at their patio service window to avoid entering the restaurant if requested.

Few:

FIT4MOM Little Rock:

  • FIT4MOM is a group of mothers who work out at Riverfront Park with their children. 
  • FIT4MOM’s workout classes are offered virtually for the time being, along with virtual story times/playgroups, virtual coffee dates, etc. 
  • Search @fit4momlittlerock on Instagram. 

Flyway Brewing: 

  • Flyway is offering pick up to-go orders by calling ahead. You can also include cans and growlers of beer with your order request so that everything is ready when you arrive for pick up.

Hurts Donuts:

  • Open for business as usual.
  • Hurts will remain open 24/7 unless the Mayor, Governor or President says differently.
  • Customers are encouraged to call-in orders.
  • Hurts will deliver orders to downtown businesses and residents.  
  • Hurts has added Door Dash for delivery and Bite Squad will begin delivering by the end of the week.
  • Hurts is deep cleaning on a regular basis so that walk-in customers may keep coming in.  

Irianna's Pizza:

  • Closed for dining, takeout available.

Lamar Advertising Company: 

  • Lamar’s Account Executives are equipped to serve you remotely and connect with you wherever you might be. 

Laura Welshans Abstract Art:

  • At this time, Laura Welshans Abstract Art’s business is being conducted online at www.laurawelshans.com, Instagram (@laurawelshans), Facebook (Laura Welshans Art), over the phone, and through video chats.
  • Laura is taking commissions and also has work ready to buy and hang.
  • Laura works with businesses, interior designers and individual collectors.
  • All installs will be conducted with gloves and masks.  
  • If provided with a photo of the space a customer is looking to put artwork, Laura can send via email or text a rendering of what her artwork would look like in that space. 
  • A message from Laura: “I'd love to talk/communicate with collectors about how I can bring a bit of happiness into their homes and lives during this stressful time. This is such a scary time for small businesses.”

Library Kitchen + Lounge:

  • The Library is offering call-in orders with curbside pickup and delivery available on all orders over $40.
  • In addition to regular menu items, they are offering smoked meats by the pound. Full details. 

Loblolly Creamery:

  • Curbside pick-up available. Call the shop at (501) 503-5164 to order. 
  • Free shopping on select non-frozen items.
  • Delivery or pickup offered via Bite Squad. 
  • Also offering at-home comfort kits such as DIY Brownie Sundaes, Ice Cream Sandwich Kits, etc. 

Low Ivy Catering:

  • Low Ivy is allowing text orders for all menu items for any of their upcoming food sets. 662-297-4393

Magna IV printing:

  • Magna IV is remaining open and is ready to assist with any print or marketing needs that you might have.

Mick’s BBQ:

  • Mick’s has a drive-through window and a walk-up window.
  • You can call ahead at (501)791-2773 and they will bring the food out to your car.

Mockingbird Bar and Tacos:

  • Currently closed.
  • Mockingbird is teaming up with The Root. You can take advantage of Mockingbird’s family-style enchilada dinners by calling The Root to place an order. 

Oak Forest Vintage:

  • Oak Forest Vintage is temporarily closed. 
  • You can still shop via their Instagram account (@oakforestvintage), and they are offering free delivery on orders over $25. 
  • Call them at (501) 472-2429.

Pro Wash powerwashing:

  • Mick Handloser with Pro Wash is offering free disinfectant powerwashing services for businesses. This is a warm water power wash with a bleach mixture.
  • Schedule an appointment by calling him at (501) 838-8387. 

Red River Catfish Catering:

  • Offering call-ahead to-go orders: 501-231-8433. 

Rock Region Metro:

  • METRO has suspended streetcar service until further notice.
  • METRO has ceased non-essential transit services and re-directed staff resources to areas of higher need.
  • METRO is modifying public transit bus service beginning Friday, March 20 in anticipation of an increase in front-line employee absences and in response to federal administration recommendations to reduce the size of gatherings of people and encourage social distancing.
  • METRO remains committed to maintaining vital public transit service during the COVID-19 outbreak while taking additional measures to reduce exposure risk to riders and staff members.
  • More information is available here: https://rrmetro.org/rock-region-metro-statement-on-covid-19-exposure-risk-reduction-measures-and-transit-service/

The Root Café:

  • The Root is offering curbside pickup and payment on all to-go orders by request. 501-414-0423 to order.
  • The Root has teamed up with Mockingbird Bar and Tacos and is offering their enchilada dinners for pickup. 

SCORE Mentors of Little Rock:

  • SCORE is temporarily suspending in-person events, including Chamber office hours until further notice.
  • Continued support is fully available online. Local workshops may be postponed or held online. Check the Little Rock SCORE website for more information.

Sonny Williams:

  • Sonny’s is allowing curbside pickup on all to-go orders. Pickup can be made in their dedicated valet line, so no need to worry about available parking.

Southern Cravings Food Truck:

  • Southern Cravings is doing text to order. Text 501-765-8608 to order.

South on Main restaurant:

  • South on Main is allowing call in orders as well as orders. For call-in orders they will allow curbside pickup upon request.

South Main Creative:

Stone’s Throw:

  • Stone’s Throw is no longer offering table service.
  • They are offering increased to-go growler and food orders 

Stone Ward:

  • The Stone Ward team is prepared and ready to keep your projects moving forward.
  • Individual employee cell phone numbers are readily available in their email signatures and they will be monitoring all voicemails left on the company’s general office numbers. 

Sullivan Wright Technology Partners:

  • Offering free phone service (up to five mobile extensions) and/or free conference bridges, for 30 days to help any companies that need access to their phone system during a shutdown.
  • Their phones work with any existing system and they will virtualize your existing business numbers so that outgoing calls appear to be coming from that business.
  • Contact them by emailing info@swtechpartners.com or calling (501) 500-TECH.

Three Fold:

  • Three Fold launched a meal program called “Re-heat and Eat” – offering disassembled versions of their full menu and will be available in single meal, multi-day, and even week-long quantities. All meals will come with reheating instructions and they will have videos available as well.
  • Three Fold also introduced a number of immunity-boosting teas available by the glass or gallon to go.
  • Full details on this program and all their safety efforts is available on their Facebook.

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences:

Whole Hog Café:

  • Whole Hog Cafe offers its entire menu for takeout via phone or online ordering at wholehogcafe.com.  Whole Hog’s full menu is also available for delivery through Bite Squad and GrubHub.