This is an especially difficult time for our retail, restaurant and service businesses. Most remain open and providing service, though in dramatically altered ways. Restaurants are offering take-out service, delivery and curb-side/valet pick up. Many retailers are taking similar steps. Yoga and fitness studios are maintaining a virtual presence by offering online classes and providing support for their customers and members via email, streaming and other virtual means. Others, such as hair salons remain open, safe, clean and available for customers, though most are spacing appointments in ways that maintain social distancing. Grocery stores remain open and are taking steps to try to maintain social distancing by limiting the number of customers in the store at any given time. Some, such as Grocery Outlet in Altadena are offering senior citizens a special time to shop.
“For any and all of your needs, we encourage everyone to continue to patronize Pasadena’s local businesses. While it may seem safe and convenient to order from Amazon or DoorDash, it is equally safe and convenient to do so from your local retailer, restaurant or service provider,” said Chamber CEO Paul Little. “Buying gift cards, visiting local stores online and ordering there or picking up take-out from local restaurants may mean the difference between their being able to remain open after this contagion has abated.”
Here are some examples of Chamber member companies that continue to serve clients:
Lavender and Honey Espresso and Coffee is offering take-out service only. Bistro 45 is offering curbside pick-up as well as fresh delivery of gourmet meals by restaurant staff. Mijares and Smith Brothers Restaurants (Smitty’s, Parkway Grill and Arroyo Chop House) offer meal delivery through online apps and curb-side pick-up. You can get freshly prepared food from El Portal and Yahaira’s, Kathleen’s, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Flemings Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar, Stonefire Grill and Clearman’s restaurants. The Raymond 1886 is offering take-out and delivery and will give a 10% discount to those who call the restaurant directly to order. Green Street Restaurant offers free delivery within a 5-mile radius of their location.
For those wanting to indulge their sweet tooth, Paradis Ice Cream in Old Pasadena offers take out service and delivery through mobile applications, as does Nothing Bundt Cakes and other local bakeries and dessert specialists.
Fitness and yoga studios have been ordered closed as part of the emergency orders to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. Many are offering online or video classes or special in-home kits so customers can maintain their health and well-being. Flawless Fitness is rolling out online workout session. The Dynamic Advantage is offering a “Take Out Fitness – COVID-19 Strength Kit”, which includes four pieces of tubing with combinations that provide up to 60 lbs of resistance, two styles of anchoring straps, a DVD, their “Where The Rubber Meets The Road” ebook, and participation in our Zoom Dynamic Strength Training online all at a discounted price of $89. Hot Yoga, the original hot yoga studio in Pasadena, offers virtual classes.
Some restaurants have closed until March 31st, including Celestino Ristorante and Bar and Mi Piace. It is best to check with a restaurant or retailer as many have curtailed their hours to most efficiently support their customers.
“I would encourage everyone to continue to support our non-profit community,” Mr. Little said. “They will see significant financial impacts as the emergency continues while the demand for services, support and assistance from within our community grows.”
Anyone can find open stores, service providers and restaurants by visiting the Pasadena Chamber’s online directory or members. For restaurant listings visit http://www.pasadena-chamber.org/directory/restaurants-catering. For retailers visit http://www.pasadena-chamber.org/directory/shopping-retail. For any other service or product, please visit at http://www.pasadena-chamber.org/directory.
“If we want the greater Pasadena area to remain a vital, fun and interesting place to live, work and visit, we need to support those businesses that are suffering and we need to do it today,” Mr. Little remarked. “The restaurants and retailers are the canary in the coal mine for all of us. If they fail because of the coronavirus outbreak, it will only be the beginning of a significant downturn in our economy and quality of life here in Pasadena.”
The Pasadena Chamber of Commerce and Civic Association is a business service member organization that works to ensure the prosperity of its members through a variety of offerings including referrals, networking, workshops and seminars, events and much more. The Chamber serves 1450 member companies.
