The COVID-19 pandemic has forced all of us to rethink and adapt the ways we live and work. We all want ourselves and our families to be safe-yet we still yearn for the human connection that is so vital to our well-being.
I've had conversations with numerous business owners and friends about our responsibilities as citizens and as a community during times of uncertainty and darkness. I am pretty confident we can all agree that profound change is underway, so what is the new reality and how do we navigate it thoughtfully?
To me, it's imperative that we be considerate and patient- or as someone very close to me reminds me, "Be kind, be kind, be kind!". We also can be sure to support local businesses and nonprofits. I'm taking some solace in doing what we do best at Alternative Strategies- highlighting the greatness of our clients:
CITY TACOS
With six locations across San Diego, City Tacos has continued to introduce creative ways for guests to enjoy dining during these times. Along with new menu items and vibrant outdoor dining set ups, the taqueria launched a new pop-up collaboration with Mission Beach's iconic attraction, Belmont Park. The City Tacos Terrace Cantina installation is available every Friday-Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., featuring a beer garden, ocean views and of course, tacos!
THIRD AVENUE VILLAGE ASSOCIATION
Alternative Strategies assisted the Third Avenue Village Association with their launch of an exciting weekly street closure along Third Avenue. Each Sunday (started in August), the closure allows for expanded outdoor dining options, business exploration, and walking and cycling space. Visitors are encouraged to come out and support the community with a stroll along the historic Avenue!
SPILL THE BEANS
Spill the Beans, the eclectic bagel and coffee shop found on Market Street in the Gaslamp Quarter, is opening (days away) its second location in Seaport Village. Housed in the iconic lighthouse structure, locals and visitors of the outdoor dining and drinking destination can enjoy grab-and-go bagels, coffee and more!
MARCH AND ASH
San Diego-based cannabis dispensary, March and Ash, partnered with the San Diego Food Bank and Imperial Valley Food Bank to collect donations to help feeds kids in poverty and families impacted by COVID-19 throughout the month of August. Their three locations — Mission Valley, Vista, and Imperial Valley — aimed to collect 200 pounds, but blew that goal out of the water and ended up collecting over 4, 200 pounds of food to donate.
EGGIES
Rise & Shine Hospitality Group's new grab-and-go breakfast concept, Eggies, hatched three locations in 2020. Eggies is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., perched in East Village, Liberty Station and Pacific Beach. From their fan favorite, "What Came First?" sandwich, featuring an egg smothered in their signature "eggcellent" sauce with fried chicken, muenster cheese and house pickles, to other quick-service bites including layered filled French Toast and Potato Hash jars, Eggies is the perfect spot for on-the-go breakfast seekers to roost!
CORNER CHICKEN
Despite opening during a global pandemic, Corner Chicken is committed to becoming a San Diego staple by going above and beyond during these uncertain times. From temperature checks and heightened sanitization protocols to multi-platform take-out, delivery and outdoor dining options, Corner Chicken is committed to customer health and satisfaction. With five different spice levels to choose from, their juicy chicken tenders, wings, drumsticks and tasty chicken sando are surely raising feathers around town - be sure to fly by East Village to check them out!
ALESMITH BREWING COMPANY
AleSmith Brewing Company along with their newly-established nonprofit, Anvil of Hope, released their AleSmith for Hope Hazy IPA this month, in an effort to help frontline workers and families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Proceeds from their specialty brewed AleSmith for Hope Hazy IPA will aid organizations that support the mission of Anvil of Hope and will be specifically earmarked to help frontline workers and their families.