As green leaves and warm days underscore the arrival of summer, many local businesses are finding new ways to keep serving the community. Here are just a few!
Long River Gallery
Rachel Obbard, owner of Long River Gallery in White River Junction, took advantage of the shutdown to get her online store up and running. Customers can browse original paintings, puzzles, photography, and much more. “What we really want is for the community to think of us first,” said Rachel. “Buy a new piece of functional pottery or woodenware for your kitchen. Buy gifts for someone or for an occasion.” (Pictured: A photo of Penny Koburger’s show “Reflections” at Long River Gallery.)
Piecemeal Pies
Pie-Day Friday: Piecemeal Pies in White River Junction is currently accepting pre-orders throughout the week for Friday pickups. They will also be hosting their first Outdoor Boozy Brunch beginning on Saturday, June 20! A new order-at-table, pay-at-table system is being implemented to keep the fun clean and safe. “We’re working to create a great experience, while eliminating as much customer and employee contact as possible,” explained owner Justin Barrett. (Pictured: pies ready for pickup on Pie-Day Friday).
Upper Valley Produce
Upper Valley Produce is continuing to offer curbside service, which allows customers to buy food in household quantities while paying wholesale prices. Those interested can visit Upper Valley Produce’s website to pick out what they would like from a list of over 70 fruits, vegetables, cheeses, local meats, and more. Upon arrival, the packaged food is placed directly in the buyer’s car. “We have people who are repeat customers because they have auto-immune deficiencies or are older and don’t want to risk going to the stores,” explained Larry Lowndes, vice president of sales and marketing at Upper Valley Produce. “As long as they continue to find value in this, we’ll keep doing it.”
Skinny Pancake:
Skinny Pancake’s Shift Meals program continues to run. Since starting in late March, the program has distributed over 35,000 free, nourishing meals to Vermonters and organizations fighting food insecurity. “We saw people in our own community, such as restaurant workers, musicians, artists, and others, who all of a sudden were experiencing food insecurity,” explained Michael Cyr, marketing brand director at the Skinny Pancake. “We wanted to serve that population. So we said, let’s make food and give it to them.” Anyone who could use a free Shift Meal is encouraged to sign up to receive one. Those who wish to support the program can do so by donating or visiting one of the Skinny Pancake restaurants. The Quechee, Montpelier, and Burlington Waterfront locations are currently open for take-out, with the Quechee location also offering delivery.
West Lebanon Feed and Supply
West Lebanon Feed and Supply recently launched Gooberpick.com, a platform that allows customers to shop online and then retrieve their purchases from various “Goober Pod” pickup locations at a convenient time. The first two Goober Pods, which resemble large shipping containers, are located at the West Lebanon Feed and Supply store and on Route 4 in Enfield. After paying online, shoppers receive a code that allows them to enter the closest pod and open an individual locker containing their product.
“We understand that customers really enjoy shopping with local companies, but have only a limited amount of time,” explained Ira Richards, vice president of marketing and business development at West Lebanon Feed and Supply. “Goober Pick allows customers to balance the desire to shop local with the convenience and 24 hour access of online shopping.” With time, Richards hopes that the platform will grow to feature 10 to 12 pickup pods and will be used by multiple businesses in the area.
Shopping at these and other local businesses is a great way to support the Upper Valley business community. If you have a business that you think we should highlight, let us know at rebecca@vitalcommunities.org.