We love Grand Rapids and we love supporting all of the amazing local businesses in our community. As you know, many of these businesses have either had to make the tough call to shut down or have had this decision made for them in order to protect the safety of their staff and customers. Here are a few ways you can continue to support our local businesses through these uncertain times and a few of the businesses that we love which are still open for carry out, delivery, donations, etc.

1. Order carry out or delivery from a variety of local restaurants and bars

Looking to get out of the house for a minute or skip cooking for a meal? A vast majority of local restaurants and bars are still open for carry out and delivery orders. Give your local favorites a call, they’ll be excited to hear from you. Here are just a couple of the many businesses that plan to stay open for take out and/or delivery:

Rise Authentic Baking Co.

Rise will still be bringing you their delicious vegan and gluten free goodies, granola, flour and other packaged goods! They will remain open for call-ahead orders from 8am-4pm Monday through Saturday and 9am-4pm on Sunday. Rise is also encouraging their supporters to purchase their non-food merch and gift cards to use at a later date to combat the current slower times.

MIX: Smoothie and Juice Bar

MIX is promoting their health and immunity-focused options as a resource for locals to fight coronavirus uncertainty. They plan to take extra precautions to stay sanitized and stay open to serve carry out juices and smoothies for the foreseeable future. You can call or text ahead at (616) 419-8280 to order one of the immunity trifecta drinks (pictured above).

2. Buy gift cards or passes to your favorite local gyms and/or boutiques

    Another great way to support local businesses is to buy gift cards and/or passes to local gyms and boutiques. Although they may not currently be open to the public, you can call or go online to purchase a gift card or pass. 

Terra Firma Bouldering Co.

Terra Firma is appreciative of any and all efforts made by its community to support the gym during this time. Though their doors are closed, they are encouraging the Grand Rapids community to support the gym by purchasing gift cards or continuing membership dues. You can contact [email protected] for more information on how to support the climbing community. 

3. Shop at your favorite local stores online

    Though physical stores may be closed, their online stores are still open for business. Though some of your favorite local boutiques or other retail stores may not offer online shopping, if they do, this is a great way to both support and practice social distancing. Here’s a local music venue that’s looking to support their employees while their events are postponed:

The Intersection

    The Intersection is looking to raise funds to support their venue and employees while their doors are closed to the public. They are encouraging locals to purchase t-shirts (pictured above) and other Intersection merch to support their employees who normally depend on hourly wages and tips earned on the job.

4. Enjoy classes from home

Still looking to get active or still be a part of your local gym community? Many local gyms and studios are taking their classes virtual and offering memberships and passes to gain access to their online streaming classes. Join a gym virtually or buy a couple of guest passes to support them during this time. If you’re looking to still be a part of your community but are tight on funds this month, you can enjoy a variety of free classes put out on social media by local gyms, show your support by liking or sharing their posts and pages. Here are a couple of studios/gyms with digital offerings:

Twisted Hot Yoga

Twisted Hot Yoga has taken their studio digital, by offering 19 classes a week, online. The digital studio offers streamed vinyasa flows, slow beginner’s vinyasa flows, cardio and strength training classes, and more. You can support this studio by joining in on a class or two, getting a digital 2 week pass (pictured above), getting a membership or buying a guest pass for later use.

The Studio: Boxing + Fitness

The Studio has begun transferring their workouts and training from the studio to the internet. Unfortunately, their group workouts have been postponed for the time being, but their personal training will continue on an individualized basis. Reach out to get personalized workouts or buy a guest pass for future use and make sure to check out their social media to get more inspiration for at-home workouts.

5. Consider making donations

    If you are able, consider donating to a local business that may need it. Whether that’s writing a check, making physical donations of goods, or providing a meal for the business’ employees, all efforts are appreciated.

If you don’t see your favorite local establishment on this list, we highly encourage you to take a look at @GR_Support_Local or reach out to them directly to see what they may be offering and how you can help. As always, we are here as a resource for you.