Small businesses in O’Fallon are making changes to cope with coronavirus pandemic

Instead of wringing her hands, Ellen Leaf-Moore, owner of Fezziwig’s Marketplace in O’Fallon, decided to try new ways of doing business during this unprecedented public health emergency.

She isn’t the only O’Fallon merchant who has adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic with different ideas, and in some cases, tough decisions they hope will be temporary.

“We, along with all other small businesses, are having to be very creative with new approaches, new methods, and trying to give the customers the best customer service possible,” she said.

“We are truly grateful to all the amazing customers who are continuing to support us all. That’s what it’s going to take for the small businesses to make it through,” she said.

Leaf-Moore has adapted and evolved from the first week as an essential business (food), when Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s stay-at-home order went into effect March 21, to this third week as regional health experts predict a surge of coronavirus cases in the next two weeks.

Fezziwig’s, located at 225 W. First St., offers tea, gourmet foods, wine and decor accessories as well as gourmet cooking classes and special events. Leaf-Moore and her husband Tim Moore relocated the shop from Lebanon, established in 2007, to O’Fallon’s downtown district in July 2015. It is in the former Schwarz Furniture store and has a courtyard to enjoy tea and wine (when not in quarantine).

But one thing hasn’t changed: “We all need a bit of ‘cheer’ in our life right now, so we decided to be upbeat and positive to help everyone through. There is enough bad news out there,” she said. “We believe a positive and gracious attitude will help people get through this incredible time.”

Creative approaches during coronavirus

Leaf-Moore said they have come up with creative approaches to make sure Fezziwig’s is an easy company to work with — “And bring people happiness!” she said.

As of April 4, the storefront is no longer open for people to come inside, but employees are currently in the store from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday.

“During those hours we are doing phone-in orders, personal shopping via phone and texting pictures, curbside pickup, delivery within a 10-mile radius and a minimum order of $25 or more to deliver. Deliveries happen after we leave the store at 2 p.m., and our online store is open 24 hours a day for shipping or curbside pick-up,” she said.

They have added 75 new merchandise items to the website, www.fezziwigsmarket.com, but wine and home décor are not available for online purchase.

“Because home décor sells quickly, and we cannot verify the age of the person buying the wines. We check IDs at curbside pickup,” she said.

New is daily video posts or photos with decorating tips, stay-at-home entertaining ideas, quick recipe ideas, wine suggestions and what foods they pair with, floral arranging and more. People can view them on their Facebook page.

“This way people can learn more about what we have available and how to purchase it. We even offer some free floral designing. The customer drops off their vase at curb side, and then we take it in and re-sanitize it. We work with the customers via a phone consultation to determine style and colors. Then we create a gorgeous arrangement and text pictures for approval or tweaks! Just something to help brighten up their home,” she said.

Leaf-Moore also does “teatorials.”

“Where I talk about teas, some benefits of them, what they taste like and how they were chosen. We offer a few ways to use them, such as a tea cocktail, bath soak or even uses in the garden,” Leaf-Moore said.

She will be rolling out a new spring-summer line of over 20 teas the week after Easter. She also is considering offering online cooking classes, but they are still working on those plans, so stay tuned for future information.

Restaurants in O’Fallon

Restaurants and taverns were shut down statewide March 16 for dine-in service but can provide delivery and curbside pickup. The O’Fallon-Shiloh Chamber of Commerce has listed available restaurants at https://ofallonchamber.com/restaurant-week/, but check the eatery’s website and Facebook page for the most current information.

Sweet Katie Bee’s Organic Bakery and Café initially was open for delivery and pick-up but decided as the public health crisis continues it’s too difficult to service customers, and temporarily closed as of March 31.

“This past week, we were faced with ever more difficult circumstances finding ingredients as our steady suppliers enforced household limits on our business. On Monday alone, we made 12 trips between seven stores for our pared-down menu. Unfortunately, this added challenge defeats the purpose of our public health measures to limit exposures to ourselves and susceptible populations who could ultimately lose their lives in this pandemic,” wrote co-owner Beth Hendrix on their Facebook site.

“We will reopen as soon as the climate is healthy again. We want to thank customers who have supported us through this unusually difficult time. You’ve ordered extra, had us deliver, written us sweet notes with cash tips for our staff, shared our posts, cheered us on — we feel loved,” Hendrix wrote. “We are so happy to belong to this community and can’t wait to serve you again. Stay safe and healthy.”

Hemingway’s Zen Garden Bistro and Pub also temporarily closed its doors downtown on March 31.

“With heavy hearts we are closing Hemingway’s until this crisis is over. We want to thank you all so much for nine years of your love, support and cheer. We will re-open stronger than before ... be kind and safe,” said owners Kimberly and Michael Smith on their Facebook page.

Two O’Fallon restaurants announced they would begin curbside pickup: Hophouse Southern Eatery began delivery and curbside pickup April 6 and Shooter’s Bar & BBQ will open April 8 with curbside carryout from 4-8 p.m. daily. On Good Friday, they will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Pickup will be located at the front door.

Two seasonal businesses have announced pushing back their start dates, TC’s Treats and I Scream U Scream.

TC Treats, which specializes in hand-crafted Philly style water ice and homemade ice cream, made fresh on the premises with real fruit and premium ingredients, has delayed re-opening for daily operations. However, they will offer Saturday pick-up of pre-orders from noon to 2 p.m. April 11, 18 and 25. Stay tuned for the weekly flavor menu and ordering instructions. Call the store at 618-607-0028 or email tctreat@gmail.com for questions.

I Scream U Scream, a local ice cream shop, has delayed its opening. They hope to re-open in May but said to check their Facebook page for updates.

Something Different

With more people watching movies at home because local theaters are dark, Marcus Theatres has tried something new. They have started offering movie popcorn for pre-order pickup at certain times at certain locations in their chain. Among them are O’Fallon Cinema and Ronnie’s in St. Louis. Check their website/Facebook pages for more information. Visit bit.ly/PopcornPickUp for details or call them at 618-624-7363.

Kim Sabella of Wolfersberger Funeral Home is offering a jigsaw puzzle exchange.

“Please stay home. But if you are out, and in need of a fresh jigsaw puzzle, you are invited to trade with us. These will be on the bench on our front porch at West Washington Street. You can wave to us through the window. We are looking forward to sharing and getting a ‘new’ puzzle in exchange,” Sabella said.

She said she was inspired after her jigsaw-loving family had completed all they had at home.

“We were wishing we could trade with some friends, but with social distancing and the stay-at-home order in place, we knew we couldn’t do that. So, that’s when we decided to place our puzzles on our front porch and offer them to others. And if we’re lucky, we’ll get a ‘new’ puzzle in exchange. We’ve had several people take one, give one, or just ‘window shop,’” she said.

With Easter Sunday on April 12, Steven Mueller Florist is offering Easter Baskets for curbside pickup. Mueller has an assortment of specialty candies and treats.

For some fun with the four-legged friends, Julie Hughes at Furchild has extended a Quarantine Competition through the end of the month, with four categories and four prizes each worth $50. To enter, people should tag Furchild on their video on Instagram or Facebook and tell her which category their pet is competing for. Winners will be announced April 30.

Here is the criteria:

• Craziest/Funniest New Trick: Get creative and teach your pet something new! Bonus points if it makes us giggle!
• Pet Grammy Award: Does your pet have amazing vocals? Our producer wants to hear their mixtape!
• Best Netflix & Chill Setup: Is your pet the best at chillin’? We want to see your pet’s style when it comes to R&R!
• Most Productive Assistant: Is your pet helping you work from home? We want to see what they bring to the table!

“We want to see what you make of your time while you practice social distancing,” she said.

For more information, visit Furchild’s Facebook page or website.

Many merchants are offering Easter specials and various items online or for pickup. Visit their websites and Facebook pages for more information.