COVID-19 has put a serious strain on many businesses, leaving many scrambling for new ideas on how to move forward during this current pandemic. Here is a list of how some local businesses have gotten creative during COVID-19.
Music Mondays 208:
Virtual concerts are a seemingly new way to listen to a favorite artist or discover new ones. Music Mondays 208 teamed up with 100.3 The X Rocks and The Handlebar Boise to create the Stay Home Spot Light. A variety of Boise artists perform on Facebook live every Tuesday and Saturday at 8 p.m.
Facebook: Music Mondays
Photo Credit: Music Mondays 208
Farmers Market Drive-Thru:
The Saturday market is a ritual for many people in the Treasure Valley, it allows people to stop by and pick up items from their favorite local vendors and find new ones to love as well. During the pandemic, The Boise Farmers Market has been able to continue by offering pickup and delivery services. For pickup, all you do is reserve a pickup time and do all your shopping online. It’s so simple and an amazing way to join BFM in continuing to support local vendors.
Website: Boise Farmers Market
Photo Credit: Boise Farmers Market
BANANA Ink:
One of Boise’s go-to merchandise shops is BANANA Ink. Currently opened, they have managed to continue holding major sales since the start COVID-19. Offering weekly deals on merchandise, BANANA Ink has also found a way to support locals during their time of need. Releasing an “in the same boat” design, BANANA Ink has pledged 30% of their sales to help the Boise community and those who are unemployed due to COVID-19. BANANA Ink is back to normal business hours.
Website: BANANA Ink
Photo Credit: BANANA Ink
Barbarian Brewing:
Barbarian Brewing has not only offered togo and delivery beers, but they have also offered an incentive to social distance during this pandemic. That’s right, order beers online for pickup or delivery for a discounted price. Check out their website for more information on hours and beer options.
Website: Barbarian Brewing
Photo Credit: Barbarian Brewing
SHIFT Boutique:
Although SHIFT Boutique is back to normal business hours, they were able to get creative during Boise’s shutdown. Offering virtual private shopping experiences with curbside pickup, SHIFT Boutique has practically been a personal shopper for guests. SHIFT Boutique is still offering its virtual shopping experience upon requests and constantly posting try-on sessions via Instagram. So put your sweats back on and go virtual shopping locally. SHIFT Boutique does kindly ask all in house shoppers to wear a mask.
Website: SHIFT Boutique
Photo Credit: SHIFT
KIN:
KIN or PiKINic has yet to open for dining but is still finding ways in which they can dish up some delish food while maintaining social distance. KIN teamed up with artists for a show outside of KIN’s location on the corner of 9th and Main.
Click here to see when their next upcoming event is. KIN Article
Website: KIN
The Handlebar Boise:
Over the quarantine, The Handlebar Boise has gotten creative in numerous ways. Instead of its Thursday bicycle races, The Handlebar has switched to alleycat style races which involve zero contact. With the recent backstep into stage three, they have also added food to their menu. In addition to beer on tap, The Handlebar is serving what some might call, “breakfast of champions”, cereal and cold brew coffee. Their hours have also extended 8 a.m.- 8 p.m. The Handlebar requires all guests to enter with a mask.
Website: SHIFT Boutique
Alive After Five Virtual Show:
Another virtual show is the Alive After Five Event that is typically a Boise must-go-to-event during the year. While not being able to physically enjoy gathering around with drinks in hand and listening to live music, Alive After Five is still creating an allure and community engagement by streaming the live shows. Check out their Facebook event page for all upcoming shows.
Facebook: Barbarian Brewing
Hops and Bottles:
Hops and Bottles is another great beer and wine spot in town that was quick to react during the shutdown. While no longer delivering buckets of mimosas and beer they too have added food to their menu. Hops and Bottles are dishing up free hot dogs for bar patrons while maintaining CDH guidelines. Hops and Bottles are back to normal business hours but are strongly encouraging guests to wear masks.
Photo Credit: Hops and Bottles
Photo Credit: Hops and Bottles
The Pandemic is not over yet, while in stage three of reopening Idaho businesses are constantly trying to find innovative ways to navigate their business. If you know of a business that is going above and beyond to continue serving the community during this time, let us know. We’d love to add them to this on-going list!