Even in the midst of struggling to make ends meet, our small businesses are showing enormous strength for both themselves and the community. Several businesses have gone beyond serving customers. If you’re an essential worker or someone who has lost your job due to current circumstances, this list is to help you know where to go. If you’re look for ways to support these heroes, this list is to help you know where to direct your donations. 

Il Focolare

Il Focolare owners and chefs Aaron Hoskins and Sarah Simmons have long been known for their efforts to support service industry workers and fight hunger in our community. Now they are going above and beyond. While placing your order for that spicy peperoni pie, add a Pay-it-Forward Pizza to your online cart. They’ll make sure that a hospitality worker in need gets a free cheese pizza. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Il Focolare (@ilfocolarepizzeria) on

Curiosity Coffee

Also located in NOMA, Curiosity Coffee Bar has turned their seating area into a bodega stocked with groceries, cleaning supplies and most importantly toilet paper. They've also opened a tab for out-of-work service industry workers, healthcare or sanitation workers, musicians, artists, and comedians. Contribute to the tab by visiting their website and purchasing a gift card to send to curiositycoffee@gmail.com. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Curiosity Coffee Bar (@curiositycoffeebar) on

Village Idiot

We miss showing up for trivia night in person, but Village Idiot is giving something a little something extra these days. For just $10, Village Idiot will send two large pizzas to a local hospital to help feed the folks on the front line. Visit their website to make a contribution.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Village Idiot Pizza (@idiotpizza) on

Columbia Craft

A cold local brew after a long day on the front lines is just what the doctor ordered (maybe). Shed that mask and order a six pack or crowler from Columbia Craft who has a tab running for first responders and nurses. If you'd like to contribute to the tab, stop by Columbia Craft in person or give them a call. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Columbia Craft Brewing Company (@columbiacraft) on

Primal Gourmet

The fresh, healthy meal prep spot, Primal Gourmet is doing its part to support healthcare workers and you can help. They are taking financial donations to provide meals to Columbia SC’s health heroes. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Primal Gourmet (@primalgourmetsc) on


Find more COVID-19 resources and updates. We can't wait to welcome you back to the real Southern hot spot with a glass of sweet tea, unless of course, you prefer something stronger.