Every city across the country has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, and businesses have had to shut their doors to the public in order to stop the spread of the virus. Although you can no longer stop into your favorite coffee shop or bookstore in person, there are still ways you can show your support for local Dayton businesses right now.

These businesses have been dealing with the effects of quarantine for a while now, and have had to make due as best as they can. That means upping their online stores and offering items for curbside pick up or delivery. While we’re all practicing social distancing and staying safe at home, you can continue to show your support for all your favorite businesses during this difficult time. Consider ordering pick up or delivery from a restaurant, or get your morning java to go through a delivery window. You could also use this time to buy gift cards for future use, or make sure to schedule your salon appointments in advance. All of these actions are something the Dayton community can do to help keep these businesses going strong while we ride out this period of quarantine.

Tips to Help Dayton Businesses

These are our top tips to keep in mind while shopping in quarantine

Order Online or Over the Phone

In this uncertain time, the Dayton community is really coming together to help out each other in any way we can. Whether that’s grocery shopping for an elderly neighbor, checking in on isolated friends, or helping out the small business community. Most retail businesses have an online shop where you can either place an order through their website, or call them on the phone to arrange a delivery. This is a great way to continue to show your support through this difficult time.

Many retail stores, bars, restaurants, and specialty shops are more than willing to get their products to their loyal customers. We may have to stay at home for now, but that doesn’t mean we can’t help out those that need our support.

Consider Tipping a Little Extra

When you do place an order for a meal, groceries, or alcohol, consider tipping your driver a little extra than usual. They’re willing to put themselves out there to ensure that you get the items you need, so show them that you truly appreciate all their hard work. Tips go directly to your driver, so you can rest assured they’ll be really thankful for the little bump in cash for their wallet.

Buy Gift Cards for Services

Many Dayton businesses such as salons, barbers, and spas are closed, and because they offer a service as opposed to a good, there’s nothing they can deliver to their clients! So show your support for your favorite hair stylist or massage therapist and consider picking up some gift cards to use in the future. One great idea would be to pick up some cards and surprise your friends or family in the mail with a special treat they can redeem once social distancing rules have been relaxed.

Support Dayton’s Local Retail Businesses

These businesses can deliver all you need to keep busy at home

Luna Gifts and Botanicals

Many of us are now working from home during quarantine and are still getting used to a new work environment. You might be looking for something serene to add to your desk area, so why not pick up a new journal or coffee mug from Luna Gifts and Botanicals? You can also pick up a gift card to use on a plant in the future when the shop reopens, which you can bring to work or leave at home. This shop also offers plenty of helpful books on plants and gardening, so while you’re at home, you can learn how to best shape up your garden this spring.

Heart Mercantile

If you’re looking for a way to ease up on some stress that might be building due to pandemic fears, why not get a cozy shirt or a relaxing coloring book from Heart Mercantile? This store has a great selection of Dayton tee shirts and tanks, not to mention comfy sweats. If you’re looking for something new to read while in quarantine, they also offer lots of interesting books on their online shop, including some about Dayton’s role in the development of aviation. Add a pair of their silly socks to complete your order, and you have all the makings for a wonderful, relaxing night indoors.

Blush n’ Grey Boutique

Even though your work wardrobe is tucked away in the closet for now, that doesn’t mean you can look nice when you show up for work at home! Blush n’ Grey Boutique offers all kinds of stylish options, from jeans, tees, wraps, and dresses that are as pretty as they are comfortable. No one says you have to wear your pjs each day when you work from home, so try out a different type of outfit and support small Dayton businesses.

Grab Your Coffee To Go

Just because Dayton is working from home, does mean we still don’t want coffee!

Curious Styles & Coffee Shop

While you can no longer stop off at this Dayton favorite for your usual coffee drink, you can order ahead online and get their curbside pickup. Don’t go without your favorite latte, cold brew, or iced coffee anymore. If you no longer have a commute, this is a great time to try out their curbside pickup, since you won’t have to worry about going out of your way, or being late for a meeting. You can also pick up beans to grind at home on the weekends, or when you just can’t seem to make it to your desk without a good cup of their roast!

Ghostlight Coffee

Another popular coffee shop in Dayton is Ghostlight Coffee. While you could always find this place packed with workers, readers, and full of interesting discussion, we’ll have to wait awhile before we can return to their locations in person. Not to worry, because you can still order all their coffee drinks and their famous scones online for pickup. You can also get gift cards as well, which would make a nice present to surprise friends in the mail--or just keep them for yourself!

Third Perk Coffee House

Sometimes you just can’t leave the house because you’re a little busy with work, but still crave some amazing morning coffee. Good thing Third Perk Coffee House is available for delivery with DoorDash and UberEats! You’ll never have to step away from a Zoom meeting just because you need a quick pick me up when you order from this Dayton cafe.

Dayton’s Restaurants and Bars Need Your Support

Many have the option for curbside pickup or delivery

These are just a sampling of restaurants that are available for curbside pickup or delivery options. You can find the complete list of restaurants offering these services here.

Chappys Social House

Chappys is a local favorite to stop by for a bite and brew or catch the game on one of their many TVs. Although the dining room is closed, Chappys is offering a temporary carryout and delivery menu. You can still get their loaded chips, ribs, chicken and waffles, as well as soups, salads, and sides. The next time you have a craving for some delicious bar food, consider giving them a call.

Coldwater Cafe

If you’re looking for a great option to do a date night in during the quarantine, give Coldwater Cafe a call and order up an elegant dinner that is sure to impress your significant other. You might not be able to take them in person to experience the exceptional food and service at this Dayton restaurant, but you can at least have a romantic--and delicious--meal at home! They are also offering bottles of wine at retail prices, so make sure to include one of those as well.

Mamma DiSalvo

If you’re looking for an easy dinner, why not pick up a dinner at Mamma DiSalvo? Right now they’re offering specials on meals to go that feed a family of four. Choose from rigatoni, lasagne, cheese ravioli, and even chicken parmesan--and more! All options come with salads, bread, and heating instructions. Take the night off from cooking, and place your order over the phone.

Star City Brewing

Breweries--just like grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations-- are considered essential businesses and permitted to stay open even during the shelter in place order. If you’d like to place an order for Star City Brewing, you’re in luck because you can order curbside pickup or even get delivery if you’re within a five mile radius of the brewery. Just make sure to meet the $30.00 minimum, be over 21, and pay ahead with a credit card.

Don’t Forget to Support Dayton Salons and Spas

Stand with these businesses hit exceptionally hard by the quarantine

The Woodhouse Day Spa

Who doesn’t like treating themselves to a relaxing day at the spa, especially when it’s the Woodhouse Day Spa? While the spa has closed its doors to customers for the time being, you can still purchase a gift card that you can redeem at a later date. You can also peruse their online store of popular skincare products and make a purchase online. The Woodhouse Spa is working hard to support their employees during this difficult time of closure, and if you have the means, consider donating to their Get Each Other’s Back emergency fund set up for their employees.

Happy Nails

There have been many memes circulating around social media about how many of us have had to let our beauty routines fall flat since the closure of nail and hair salons. All joking aside, these businesses have been hit hard by the closures in Dayton and around the country, and now more than ever need your support. Consider booking your next nail appointment at Happy Nails or pick up a gift card to your favorite nail or hair salon. We’ll all be thankful once the shelter in place order can safely be lifted, but try to do your part in the meantime!

Show Support for Dayton’s Culture

Help keep these important cultural institutions alive during the COVID-19 quarantine

Dayton Metro Library

The Dayton Metro Library is closed to the public, but it is still offering many online services to the community. Local libraries always need public support year round, so don’t forget about all the library does for Dayton! Their catalog is still available online and is full of audiobooks and ebooks--all you need is a library card to check them out. While the kids are at home, the library is still offering their fantastic array of homework help, including access to tutors.

Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, Ballet, and Opera

If you’re a fan of classical music, ballet, or opera, then consider sending a donation into one of these Dayton organizations. With performances cancelled for the foreseeable future, the artists of these institutions need your help. If you had a ticket to a performance that was cancelled, consider not asking for a refund and donating the cost of your ticket. It will definitely be put to good use. Once the quarantine is lifted, there will be plenty of amazing performances to attend, which is why it’s vital to continue to support these cultural organizations in their time of need!

Many businesses are going through a very hard time, and it’s up to the Dayton community to show their support! We’ll all come out of this stronger than before, so let’s ride out the quarantine and continue to support Dayton’s vibrant local businesses.