Editor’s Note:
Now more than ever, local businesses need our help.
Since the very beginning, Terakeet has been proud to call Syracuse home. Our community is chock-full of vibrant and diverse small businesses, from gourmet coffee shops and cafes to restaurants, record stores, and boutique fitness studios.
That’s why during this tumultuous time, our employees are showing support for their favorite local hotspots. We wanted to give ‘Keeters a chance to shout out the local businesses they love while also showing some love to our community. We interviewed them to find out how they’re shopping local during this tough time.
Q1: What are your favorite local hotspots (and a why for each)?
Carolyn Kelly (Sr. Digital Outreach Specialist):
“I live in the Eastwood area which has quite a few great local spots! Some of the best-hidden gems are: The Palace Commons which has great coffee and lunch specials, Tony’s Family Restaurant, which makes my favorite chicken riggies, and Found Things Co. [a unique little plant shop].”
Maeve Byrne (Sr. Digital Outreach Specialist & Team Lead):
“My favorite local hotspots include Darwin on Clinton, Glazed and Confused, and Water Street Bagel. For [all] of these places, their owners and staff are so kind. [They’re] always willing to give back to the community. Not only that, but their food is amazing! They’re constantly keeping up with new and delicious specials for their customers to try, and it just keeps you going back for more.”
Jenna Coppola (Sr. Digital Outreach Specialist):
“Two of my favorite small businesses in the Syracuse area are Francesca’s and Simple Roast Coffee Company [based in Auburn]. Francesa’s has been a long-time favorite restaurant of mine because of its atmosphere, amazing food, and attentive customer service. After recently moving to Liverpool, I became familiar with their carry-out location here, and in my opinion, they have the best pizza in Syracuse! Simple Roast Coffee has amazing coffee but I have [also] always loved their business style. They push the envelope for a drive-thru coffee hut with creative coffee flavors, hosting challenges for customers to participate in, and regularly donating to other local businesses and nonprofits.”
Mallory Blaszczak (HR Business Partner):
“These are mostly coffee shops!
- Salt City Coffee: Not only are their lattes something special, but I love their pay-it-forward board, where you can donate a cup of coffee. [So no] matter someone’s financial situation, they’re able to enjoy their coffee and [the] atmosphere. It’s truly a community-based cafe.
- Cafe 407: They’re a very selfless shop that already does so much for the community with their organization, Ophelia’s Place, but they also have great drinks and food. [You] can’t beat the positivity you feel when you go there or support them. [And while] they are not currently open, you can make donations to Ophelia’s Place online.
- Water Street Bagel: [The] staff is always super-friendly and I have yet to find something I haven’t liked. #TeamSpicyEverything
I’ve also been taking some Zoom yoga classes through O Yoga. I miss the studio and its amazing environment so much but they’ve done a great job of making sure there are still personal touches and connections in their virtual classes.”
Q2: Have you done anything to show support during this time?
Carolyn Kelly (Sr. Digital Outreach Specialist):
“Yesterday, I decided to support a few of these local businesses by ordering takeout. It may seem like a small act, but these businesses all need our support right now during this time of uncertainty.”
Maeve Byrne (Sr. Digital Outreach Specialist & Team Lead):
We got take-out from Water Street Bagel, got Glazed and Confused delivered to our house, and we plan to order dinner to-go and [a] delivery at least once a week … just to keep supporting these businesses that we love during this hard time.”
Jenna Coppola (Sr. Digital Outreach Specialist):
“Francesca’s in Liverpool has been delivering my favorite pizza to my doorstep on a weekly basis! I am so grateful that they are still willing to do so …. Although Simple Roast Coffee is temporarily closed, they are selling their bags of coffee online. I recently got a few bags shipped to my house in Syracuse, but I know that they are offering free delivery in the Auburn area [as well]!”
Mallory Blaszczak (HR Business Partner):
“I’ve certainly been trying to do my part [to] support local businesses by doing [everything] from getting take-out to buying gift cards and merchandise. I also try to support local [companies] in different ways via social media, whether that be sharing posts, tagging people, etc. … I think every little method of support is crucial for these businesses, especially right now.”
Q3: In your words, what do you think continued patronage means for small business owners and the Syracuse community?
Carolyn Kelly (Sr. Digital Outreach Specialist):
“Many small businesses in the community are being forced to make tough decisions. As someone lucky enough to be working full-time right now, it’s important for me to know that I can help those who [aren’t able to work] in some capacity. Whether it’s buying a cup of coffee, ordering dinner out, or buying a gift card, small businesses count on … their local community members [to keep up the support]. Making these purchases can help them stay afloat during this time, so they will be able to rehire employees and continue operations once [stay-at-home orders are lifted] .”
Maeve Byrne (Sr. Digital Outreach Specialist & Team Lead):
“Supporting small businesses during this time is extremely important because it’s what ensures that we can build Syracuse back up once this is all over. These small businesses have worked so hard to build their companies up over the years, and to support the community, so it’s our turn to give back and support them while this is going on. These stores are all packed on a normal day during lunch or dinner, so it’s important to keep that support going and remember that there are things we can do for the community while still staying safe and keeping others safe.”
Jenna Coppola (Sr. Digital Outreach Specialist):
“I think supporting local businesses means that you are helping a person or a family that maybe lives in your neighborhood or you could run into at the grocery store. These are the people in our community that have been feeding you, keeping you caffeinated, and showing you they care with amazing customer service time and time again. Now it’s our turn to show them how much we care by supporting them during times that have proven difficult for small businesses.”
Mallory Blaszczak (HR Business Partner):
“I feel like showing up for our neighborhood spots is one of the most important things right now. Once all of this slows down and we can get back to even a fraction of what pre-quarantine life was like, you know that small businesses are going to be at the front, leading the rebuild of our neighborhoods.
I would also say that not only is shopping local good for the businesses, it’s equally helpful to the individuals supporting them right now. I know that personally it’s been really helpful for me to keep some sort of “normalcy” in my routine during this time, but you also see how appreciative small business owners and staff are when you still show up for them. It’s a great, supportive feeling on both sides of the coin.”
Q4: What would you tell other individuals about shopping local?
Carolyn Kelly (Sr. Digital Outreach Specialist):
“I think now more than ever it’s important to consider the impact you can have by supporting local [companies]. As a member of Cause for the Cuse, I’ve seen many local businesses donate to our events throughout the year – several on a continuous basis. Their support means a great deal to us, so being able to return the favor to them now is important. Most of the larger corporations we tend to frequent will be able to survive this, so doing what we can to support small [businesses]l is vital. If you aren’t able to support [them] financially, reach out and see how you can help in another capacity.”
Maeve Byrne (Sr. Digital Outreach Specialist & Team Lead):
Go pick up lunch or dinner from your favorite restaurants, because we want to keep those businesses going so they’re able to succeed and prosper through this. Small businesses are what make Syracuse the city we know and love, so it’s important to do our part in supporting them while we can!”
Jenna Coppola (Sr. Digital Outreach Specialist):
“Is it cheesy to say the Golden Rule? Imagine if you were a small business owner and how grateful you’d be for people in your community showing up for you during trying times!”
Mallory Blaszczak (HR Business Partner):
“I think a lot of people might be surprised at the number of small businesses that have quickly built more of an online presence to adapt to this situation and are offering contactless service when they may not have before. For example, I know there are greenhouses still open for business where you can order plants (much needed during this time for a number of reasons!) and they’ll bring them out to your car. A lot of record stores and indie bookstores are also offering online shopping, which is a bit abnormal for most of those places.”
Note: Hero image is supplied by Carolyn Kelly, Sr. Digital Outreach Specialist.