Social distancing is hard, especially when Charlotte has an abundance of locally owned spots that offer incredible food.

The CDC issued new guidance on Sunday, stating that large events and mass gatherings of 50+ people should be canceled or postponed for the next eight weeks.

As the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread, you can do your part to “flatten the curve” and support local businesses by ordering your food for curbside pickup, purchasing a gift card to use later, or even connecting with them to discuss other options. Here are some local spots that are getting creative with sharing their product during a difficult time:

4TH CORNER BAKEHOUSE & COFFEE CO.

This Waxhaw bakery is offering meals to children in need during school closures. “If anyone needs a hand, we are here. If you need a pb&j and an apple for your kids that would normally get school lunch, we are here. If you have a nut allergy or a picky eater and need a little cheese pizza, we are here. If you are losing a paycheck and just need a loaf of bread to help put dinner on the table, we are here. Ask us for a kids meal and we will make that sandwich and apple for you. If you aren’t comfortable asking in front of others send us a dm or come to the side door and we will figure it out in private,” the bakery posted on Instagram on Saturday.

THE BATCHHOUSE

Selling pre-packaged boxes available for curbside pickup.

CLOOSIV

This locally founded order-ahead app for coffee will be waiving fees for coffee shops still offering curbside pickup. “This is the epitome of a ‘we’re in this together’ moment and we want to help wherever we can,” tweeted Cloosiv founder Tim Griffin.

THE COWFISH

Place your takeout order online, pull up to the dedicated parking spaces and someone will bring your order out to you.

DISH

Offering delivery for Plaza Midwood residents and takeout for everyone.

FS FOOD GROUP

FS Food Group — the company behind local favorites like Yafo Kitchen, Midwood Smokehouse, Mama Ricotta’s and Paco’s Tacos & Tequila — has begun to offer curbside pick up. When you order online, you’ll see the option to select curbside pick up for everywhere except Yafo. To pick up from Yafo, you’ll need to call the restaurant when you’re outside. This is recommended for the other restaurants as well. Note: These options are only available if you pay ahead online to reduce social interaction.

LULU’S MARYLAND-STYLE CHICKEN AND SEAFOOD

Lulu’s Maryland-Style Chicken and Seafood has officially transitioned to curbside service only, and will not be offering dine-in services until further notice.

“The health and safety of our customers and team members is our top priority,” said co-owners Miketa Proctor and Jay Davis. “We are happy to continue serving our customers the meals they enjoy while also taking pride in our clean, well-run operations and following the CDC recommendations for how to best protect against coronavirus.”

The restaurant will also partner with community organizations to ease the burden of food instability amongst students who will not receive meals at school due to statewide closings.

“Our goal is to not only provide Charlotteans with quality meals in a safe environment, but to also give back to the community that has given so much to us,” said co-owner Miketa Proctor.

To order curbside, call 980-498-0838. The restaurant will remain open Wednesday–Monday, beginning at noon.

REID’S FINE FOODS

Reid’s Fine Foods is offering delivery for groceries. You can call them at Myers Park or SouthPark to place your order and schedule curbside pick up.

RESIDENT CULTURE

This Midwood-area brewery rolled out home delivery and curbside pickup programs on Sunday.

Editor’s note: This article is developing and will be updated. Is your favorite restaurant or other retailer making changes to help our community, even at a big financial loss? Email us at charlottefive@charlottefive.com and we may add it to our list.

VILLAGE JUICE COMPANY

Village Juice Company is now offering curbside pickup. Park out front near El Thrifty Social, then send them a direct message with your name and a description of your vehicle (color, make, model).

BLACK WEDNESDAY AND HYGGE JOIN FORCES TO HELP SMALL BUSINESSES

Additionally, Black Wednesday owner Corri Smith and Hygge owner Garrett Tichy launched a website supportlocalorelse.com. “It’s free for businesses to engage, they just have to create a promotion/deal/way for people to support them remotely or in the future,” Smith said in an email.

To participate, businesses can submit a form through the site and Smith and Tichy are listing them as they come in. “We want this to be as robust as possible, during a time when they/we/I need all the support they/we/I can get; we already have brands like Sycamore, Girl Tribe, Bardo and Glory Days Apparel, UpDog Kombucha listed, with more coming in as I write,” she said.

Editor’s note: This is a developing story and will be updated.

 

original article via Charlotte Five