O’Fallon businesses thinking outside the box during cornavirus pandemic
In complying with the current state Shelter-in-Place executive order that now runs through April 7, local businesses are thinking of new ways to serve their customers in this unprecedented time.
When restaurants closed to dine-in service March 16, that was supposed to be Restaurant Week in O’Fallon. Instead, the O’Fallon-Shiloh Chamber of Commerce dubbed it “Take Out Blitz” and listed all the participating restaurants so customers could make decisions about drive-thru, delivery and take-out options.
To find out what options are available from local eateries, here is a list the Chamber compiled: https://ofallonchamber.com/restaurant-week
But first, contact the business individually to find out if they are temporarily closed or providing alternative options.
Gov. J. B. Pritzker closed all bars and restaurants in the state to the public beginning March 16 through April 7 for dine-in service. Drive-thru, delivery and carryout are allowed.
Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly has reminded restaurant and bar owners of the consequences they face if they violate the governor’s order to limit service. Kelly said the owners could lose their business license, liquor license, operating permit and face permanent closure.
In the Downtown District, some O’Fallon food businesses have adapted to stay open while others are closed during the Shelter-in-Place executive order.
Wood Bakery, which has been an O’Fallon fixture since 1967, has temporarily closed at 115 W. First St.
“This is a decision that we wish that we wouldn’t have to make, but because of the COVID-19 virus, Wood Bakery will be temporarily closed for business, until given the directive to open again,” their statement read.
Sweet Katie Bee’s Organic Bakery-Café at 131 E. First St. began curbside pick-up and delivery of their menu last week, but co-owners Kate and Beth Hendrix have decided to focus on take-out family meals.
Their menu already offered take-and-bake chicken pot pies that serve six, take-and-bake cookies — a 7-pack of salted chocolate chip cookies, and take-and-ice cookies in a sugar cookie decorating kit.
“We will be focusing more on take home family meals rather than individual meals. We are adjusting our hours to 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Both changes are in response to customers’ needs from last week,” Kate Hendrix said.
To safely social distance, they are taking orders by text or phone call, taking payment by phone so there is less physical interaction. If it’s delivery, they will drop off customers’ orders on their front porch, then text them to let them know their food and drinks have arrived.
Text 618-698-7872 and call 618-622-9930. Visit their website, www.sweetkatiebees.com and their Facebook page for updates.
O’Fallon businesses get creative
Fezziwig’s Marketplace at 225 W. First St. is considered a grocery store, so they are selling teas, gourmet foods, balsamic vinegars, olive oils and wines.
“We will remain open normal hours as long as customers continue to shop with us,” owner Ellen Leaf-Moore said.
Hours are Tuesday are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. They are closed Mondays.
“Our store and staff have taken extra precautions to ensure a sanitary environment. Please utilize the tissues entering and leaving our store on our door handle,” she said. “If you are ‘under the weather,’ please do not shop with us at this time. Come back when you feel great!”
Fezziwig’s online store is available for shipping or curbside pickup at www.fezziwigsmarket.com or customers can call the store at 618-726-2230 for items not on the website for in-store or curbside pickup, Leaf-Moore said.
Gia’s Pizza, 102 W. State St., is offering fruit and vegetable boxes as well as a salad box. For next-day pick-up, order by 8 p.m. the night before at 618-632-8486.
Hemingway’s Zen Garden at 123 E. First St. has transitioned to family size entrees to go. Hours are noon to 7 p.m. and customers can call 618-632-4008 to place an order. They ask people check their Facebook page for menu and other updates.
Peel Wood-Fired Pizza began offering delivery in select areas and curbside pick-up from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. They are offering beer-to-go and family meal deals — for more information, visit their Facebook page. Delivery hours may vary on weekends. It is best to order online, a spokesman said, www.peelpizza.com.
If people want “no contact” service, they can tell them.
“We will gladly leave your order on your doorstep or you can pop your trunk,” they said.
The Depot Bar and Grill is temporarily closed but will consider curbside pickup and asked customers to check their Facebook page for updates.
Sugarfire 64 at 1425 N. Greenmount Road is posting their specials daily on their Facebook page for curbside pickup and delivery, and is encouraging customers to order online for faster service, www.sugarfiresmokehouse.com.
Staying Fit with Fit4Mom 618
Codi Jackson, owner of Fit4Mom 618, has taken her fitness exercise classes and playgroups for mothers and their young children to a virtual platform.
All weekly classes continue on Webex, which is a web and videoconferencing application. People log in to the class and she sends an email invitation 30 minutes before the class. The first class is always free to try out, and instead of signing up for a longer-term commitment, she is offering packages of a few classes at a time.
“It’s working very well. It’s a scary time. People want to have a routine, keep a connection, have some sense of normalcy,” she said.
“Motherhood can be isolating already, and then you add the Shelter-in-Place mandate and it can be overwhelming,” she said.
She is providing a social outlet during this time of social distancing. Her group of mothers had a “MOMS Night Out” at 9 p.m.. Friday on Webex.
“It was after the kids went to bed. We spent two hours talking. It was really fun to feel connected,” she said.
Jackson has added some classes, including a moms-only one in the evenings, and a few new playdates, so go to www.618.Fit4Mom.com or visit her Facebook page. The phone number is 314-282-5106.
Bike Surgeon owner Jon Greenstreet is encouraging his cyclist friends and customers to get outside when they can, practicing social distancing.
“Fresh air, exercise and vitamin D are some of the best things you can do to support your immune system,” he said. “For the foreseeable future all ‘group rides’ have been suspended. We will however continue to publish ‘social distance’ ride routes that we encourage you to do.”
During inclement weather or for people who want to keep up a fitness regime indoors, his employee Josh Manwaring has created road cycling routes to do at home, https://www.strava.com/routes/20697066.
Greenstreet said Bike Surgeon, 201 E. State St., would continue operations as an essential service, as directed by the governor through executive order 2020-10, section 1.12.e.
“We will be adhering to the state recommendations, taking additional sanitary precautions in store and enforcing in store social distancing. Be healthy. Have fun. Let us know if there is anything we can do to help,” he said in an online statement.
For more information, visit www.bikesurgeon.com or their Facebook page, or call 618-622-1693
O’Fallon YMCA closed facilities March 17 and plans to reopen April 8.
For more information and about emergency child care centers, visit the website at www.gwrymca.org/coronavirus.
Services & businesses in and around O’Fallon
Parent Teacher Tools and Toys is temporarily closed at 108 W. State St., but owner Mary Jo Guinn said customers can shop online and they will deliver for a small fee. They have games, puzzles, flash cards, workbooks and other items. The website is http://parentteachertools.com.
Guinn said they would like to hear suggestions from teachers, parents, caregivers and grandparents on how they can better serve them during this time.
“We are sad that we cannot be there for you, during this time where our products can be of help to you and your families. We would love suggestions as to how our store could still benefit you, even though we are closed to the public,” she said.
Thoughts and suggestions can be left on their Facebook page or she can be reached at: maryjo@parentteachertoolsandtoys.com.
While the showroom is closed until further notice, Steven Mueller Florist is providing floral arrangements for delivery or curbside pickup. All orders must be placed over the phone at 618-632-4027. Store hours are now 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Friday and from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday.
Furchild owner Julie Hughes said the shop will only be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays for people to buy dog food, treats, toys and other items. In the meantime, DIY bathing stations and nail trimming services will be unavailable for the foreseeable future.
“We’re going to do everything we can to continue to serve you. At the same time, we need to prioritize the health and safety of our team,” she said. “We sincerely appreciate your understanding as we try to stay healthy by reducing the amount and duration of contact we have with the public.”
They will offer delivery seven days a week until April 30. People can place an order by emailing bark@shopfurchild.com or by calling 618-726-2152.
Three Sisters Crafts is offering customized craft kits for children. Customers can call 618-624-7193 and they will customize a craft kit for a child.
“I have all kinds of cute Easter cutouts to make Easter cards for grandparents and friends that they may not be able to visit right now. I also have grab bags for $1 and $3 that have all kinds of craft items in them,” the owner said.
Courage and Grace DIY Art Studio provided a drive-through service of Take & Paint kits last week, but those are now finished. And they had a huge turnout, with 400 distributed in less than 24 hours over the weekend at both their O’Fallon and Edwardsville locations.
Owner Jennifer Adenk said she would stay active on their Facebook page but the shop is temporarily closed. Workshops have been suspended for the time being.
“We will continue to be in contact with our governing cities, to see if there is a chance we can run another drive-through pickup in the future, and will let you know as soon as we may be able to get one planned,” she said.
“Stay safe. Stay healthy. We’ve got this, and we will see you soon. I knew this afternoon would be the last time I would be locking up the shop for a bit, as our community continues to hunker down. While I don’t know when we will be open again, know that I already look forward to that day to welcome you all back in!” she said Saturday.
Refinery Salon is temporarily closed but owner Whitney Leidner is offering gift cards at reduced rates. For more information, visit her Facebook page or the Downtown District one.
She wanted to remind everyone to support local small businesses.
“For every dollar spent in a small business 67 cents stays in that community. Let’s support local today and every day. We can and we will get through this, but only if we all come together,” she said.
Hospitals no longer allowing visitors, other important info
St. Elizabeth’s Hospital and Memorial Hospital East in O’Fallon no longer are allowing visitors to the hospital and entrances have been restricted to minimize the spread of coronavirus.
The hospitals are working on ways to facilitate electronic communications for patients and families who would like real-time updates and videos on tablets, phones and Skype.
During this time of temporary closings or different services, please visit the business’ website or social media to find out the latest.
The U.S. Small Business Administration recently announced low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to Illinois small businesses struggling as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Businesses can apply online and download applications at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.
The St. Louis Regional Chamber has formed a COVID-19 resource center for businesses: https://www.stlregionalchamber.com/covid-19.
The Illinois Department of Commerce has put together a guide for small businesses at this time https://www2.illinois.gov/dceo/SmallBizAssistance/Pages/Coronavirus-Disease.
This story was originally published March 23, 2020 at 4:42 PM.