Cynthia Lummis

Conservative for U.S. Senate

COVID

Tools for Supporting Wyoming Restaurants & Small Businesses

April 1, 2020

Tools for Supporting Wyoming Restaurants & Small Businesses

There’s no question the COVID-19 is impacting every aspect of life here in Wyoming and all across the country. Governor Mark Gordon has announced the closure of theaters, bars, nightclubs, coffee shops, employee cafeterias, self-serve buffets, salad bars, unpackaged self-serve food services, gyms, conference rooms and museums.

This is in addition to limiting restaurants to curbside take-out or drive-through food service.

FOR THE LATEST HEALTH INFORMATION ON COVID-19
Check in with the Wyoming Department of Health and Coronavirus.gov

Small businesses are what drive Main Streets across Wyoming, supporting thousands of jobs and generating critical income for local and state government. During this difficult time, Wyoming small businesses need our support more than ever. Below is a list of ways you can support Wyoming restaurants, retail stores and other small businesses today from your house.

Order food for delivery or curbside pickup from your favorite local restaurant.

  • Search for your favorite local restaurant online & order for delivery or pickup.
  • Door Dash Delivery Service: doordash.com (available in select locations)
  • Grubhub Delivery Service: grubhub.com (available in select locations)
  • UberEats Delivery Service: ubereats.com (available in select locations)
  • The Wyoming Office of Tourism has a great list of local restaurants across the state: com/things-to-do/restaurants

BONUS: Don’t forget to tip your delivery driver!

Purchase gift certificates from restaurants or retail shops for future use.

  • Support your favorite local restaurant today by purchasing a gift card you can use to dine with later. Purchase gift cards for yourself, or birthday, holiday or thank you gifts for friends, family, neighbors and co-workers. Your gift card purchase immediately generates funds for the local business.
    • Call, email or find online your favorite restaurant or local store. Most offer gift certificates for purchase online or over the phone.
    • While only a limited number of Wyoming restaurants are currently participating in this program, a collective of restaurant industry professionals have set a global initiative in motion to get funds into the hands of restaurants now, even if they are temporarily closed, through ‘dining bonds.’ These ‘dining bonds’ work like a savings bond, where you can purchase a “bond” at a value rate to be redeemed for face value at a future date. Visit org to see a list of participating Wyoming restaurants.

Buy local whenever possible.

  • As you continue to purchase essential items like food, beverages, toiletries and cleaning products, remember to buy from local merchants whenever possible.

Check to see if your favorite local gym or studio is offering classes online.

  • Many studios and gyms (like Blossom Yoga in Cheyenne!) are now offering exercises classes online. Participate in a class on Facebook or on their website to keep yourself moving and support your local studio.

BONUS: If the studio doesn’t list a way to pay for the class, message them and ask if you can make a donation to cover their costs!

Write a positive review online.

  • While you’re online at home, follow your favorite local business on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for the latest on online ordering opportunities and other ways to support them. Like, share and comment on posts while you’re there too. It’s a simple and free way to show your support during this time.

If you can afford it, keep paying your house cleaner, dog walker, or anyone who depends on regular income.

  • Many in Wyoming, including those who own and operate small businesses, rely on regular clients to stay afloat. If you are in a position to continue paying these service providers during this time, it could make a huge difference to them and their business.

Remember to check-in & say thank you.

  • A phone call, text or email to small business owners forced to close or those who are continuing to work (doctors, nurses, grocery clerks, drivers, etc.) can help keep us all positive and encouraged during this difficult time.