SEATTLE — As local restaurants and businesses feel the brunt of COVID-19 concerns, many are innovating new ways to meet customer's needs and stay afloat.
In Seattle, Queen Anne Book Company has countless titles to browse. But plenty of bibliophiles are staying home right now.
The shop devised a solution: free deliveries to nearby doorsteps.
"I can't think of anything more important if you're going to be stuck at home than to have books to read and things to do,” said bookseller Wendee Wieking. "And we know that our neighborhood is a big reading neighborhood and we don't want folks to be without books.”
Queen Anne customers order online and the independent bookseller drives or bikes the books to their homes.
A locally-owned eatery on the east side is also adjusting. Gilbert's on Main, known for generous New York-style deli sandwiches, has operated in Old Bellevue for a quarter-century.
"It's a gathering place, it has a sense of place,” said owner Steve Gilbert.
But business is struggling. So Gilbert instituted curbside service, allowing customers to pull up and get their orders without stepping foot in the restaurant.
Jack's BBQ in Seattle’s SODO neighborhood is also promoting to-go options, and asking customers to buy online gift cards for the future. When they're eventually redeemed, the restaurant will throw in a free appetizer or dessert.
Down in Tacoma, Manic Mermaid art gallery closed the store due to public health concerns. But they’re still making sales using Facebook Live broadcasts and online orders.
In Granite Falls, longtime family-owned Omega Pizza and Pasta shut down the dining room entirely. The restaurant is now exclusively selling take-out orders. Rather than laying off any employees, the servers are now acting as delivery drivers.
Buddha Bruddah, based in the Rainier Valley, had to cancel operation of one of its food trucks. But the brick-and-mortar restaurant is offering free delivery service and writing heartfelt messages to customers on the take-out bags.
For more local businesses and restaurants offering new services and deals, check out this growing list.