Local businesses weathering another COVID-related storm
Do your holiday shopping in Downtown Manchester! Stay safe, close to home, and support local residents who make their living in this community.
Last Sunday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer addressed the state and announced new state guidelines issued by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The order, which started at 12:01 am on Wednesday, November 18, enacts a three-week pause targeting indoor social gatherings and other group activities in an effort to curb rapidly rising COVID-19 infection rates.
Indoor gatherings are strictly limited and many different types of businesses, particularly restaurants and bars, are affected by this emergency order. Retail businesses may also be impacted, not only by reduced capacity in their stores, but simply because fewer people are choosing to leave their homes during the coming weeks.
To support Manchester’s local businesses, the Mirror hopes to focus on how this order has affected our local businesses–particularly bars and restaurants–but also to remind residents that supporting local concerns can help maintain our business community during a time when these endeavors are already struggling to survive.
Manchester Diner has limited its business to takeout and curb service from 9 am to 12:30 pm Wednesday-Sunday, and will do so for as long as possible.
Frank’s Place will be doing takeout and curbside seven days a week with same hours. This includes their full menu, beer, and wine. In addition, customers still can order online groceries and pizza kits (starting on Sundays) to pick up each Wednesday, at franksplacemi.com. And, with the holidays coming up, gift cards from Frank’s are a great stocking stuffer!
Denise Collins of Frank’s says, “We have been through this before, so we are confident we can keep our staff and customers safe as we move forward for the next three weeks. We will do our part to help bring the COVID numbers down!”
The Bridgewater Bank has restricted its service to outdoors and carry-out only, and has amended their hours to Wednesday-Saturday 4-8pm. They offer a carry-out menu, and specials which are published online at bridgewaterbanktavern.com as well as on their Facebook and Instagram pages. One new special they are introducing for the current situation is “Take & Bank!”
“We know a lot of you drive a long way to come and see us, and because of that, carry-out isn’t always the best option. But we got you!” On the Take & Bank menu, the Bank offers a special variety of choices that will travel well or that you can cook at home, including their famous Bank burgers.
River Raisin Distillery is open Thursday and Friday, 3-8 pm, and Saturday noon-8 pm. They are currently selling to-go cocktails, t-shirts, lighted bottles, a variety of Christmas baskets, cocktail mixes, and of course, bottles of their unique Cane & Grain liquor!
“If you would like us to make a surprise basket for you, please just let us know the price and we will put together an amazing gift!” says owner, Krista Jarvis. “We will bring them out to your car for you so you never have to come inside.” Call them at 734-709-1024 for additional details or to place an order.
Linda’s Diner is still developing its plans for the next few weeks. “We remained open Thursday through Saturday of last week, and it was a loss every day,” said Linda Minor, owner. “This time feels different–I know a lot of people with Covid and I know of two people who have died from Covid. Last time, it was numbers on the television–but now it’s people and families I know. I’m thankful our family has still remained healthy!” Current plans call for the diner to be open from 8 am to 1 pm Monday. Minor said she will update customers as soon as a new routine is decided.
Ollie’s Pizza and Over the Edge–the dining room is closed until Dec. 8. You can support the restaurant by ordering carry-out or delivery from Ollie’s at 734-428-6543. Also, they are offering their traditional Black Friday Weekend gift card special November 27-29, where you can get two $25 gift cards for just $40! These cards make a great stocking stuffer or appreciation gift, and are good at both Ollie’s and Over the Edge.
The Hungry Wolf is closed until Dec. 8.
The Moveable Feast is continuing its Friday Night Curbside events. Go online to place your order at moveablefeastcurbside.com by Thursday at 11 pm, and pick up a special meal on Friday just in time for dinner.
The Village Tap is open for carry-out Tuesday-Saturday from 11-2 and 5-7 pm. Call ahead to order, at 734-428-7032.
Manchester’s newest business, Sweet Leilani’s Desserts, straddles the line between the local restaurants and retail shops. After passing their inspection this past week, they will be open to provide some sweets for your Thanksgiving table this week, on a somewhat limited basis. They anticipate being able to offer many more ideas for Christmas ordering. They will have online ordering as well as take out. They also have a “sweet” selection of gift items and are looking forward to meeting many new Manchester friends over the holiday season.
In addition to our local eateries, there are several retail businesses that remain open throughout the upcoming season and are looking for your continued support. The coming week is a big one for small businesses, with Black Friday on Nov. 27 and Small Business Saturday on the 28th.
At River Raisin Mercantile, owner Sue LaRocque is on the job. “Rest assured that I will take care of your gift giving needs,” she says. “I remain open for my regular hours, and I am also offering to make a gift bag for nearly everyone on your Christmas list.
“I thoroughly enjoy using my creative talents in putting together gift bags. I have had many repeat customers who say that they love the variety and thoughtfulness that goes into every bag. All I need is a little info about the recipient and a price point to work from … I can deliver in the village, or we can set up a curbside pickup.”
Text or call Sue at 734-649-2993, or visit her shop at 138 E. Main on Wednesday-Saturday, 12-6 (Thursdays until 8 through the holiday season).
Kathy LaHaie at The Sassy Peacock on Adrian Street will also be open on Thursday nights until 8 throughout December and is eager to share her collection of gently used clothing and household items, with special pricing each Thursday.
Manchester True Value Hardware is open 7:30 am to 6 pm daily; 8-5 on Saturdays and 10-4 on Sundays. Currently all holiday lights and most decorations are on sale, and all artificial Christmas trees are on sale too. Stop in and get your home decorated for the season, and while you’re there, pick up something for that hard working person who would just love a new power tool for the holidays.
Worth Repeating at 110 E. Main (and for the next month, a “furniture annex” at 126 E. Main), is ready for the holidays. The annex is open Thursdays, 3-7 & Saturdays 10-2. The main store is open Wednesday, Friday & Saturday 10-2 pm and Thursday 3-7. Worth Repeating is also planning a Black Friday sale this Friday and Saturday, with all clothing $10 per grocery bag (bring your own bag!)
Staffed by volunteers with all profits returned to the community, via grants to non-profits that serve the community, Worth Repeating has donated more than $4,000 locally since reopening in June.
Steelegrafix has a Black Friday special featuring $20 hoodies; Saturday, spend $50 and get a free T-shirt. Their December special is spend $100 and get put into a drawing for a $50 gift certificate.
“I want people to know that we have more than apparel,” adds Dawn Steele. “We have added more retail to draw people downtown–holiday decor and ornaments, home decor, candles, canned goods, pottery, towels, bath bombs, chap-sticks, stickers, Michigan and small based business items. Michigan and women’s vintage trucker hats, cc beanies and of course our Manchester apparel items. We are adding more apparel that is not just Manchester; we have positive sayings, holiday items, and Michigan merchandise!”
Hours are Monday 12-5, Tuesday & Wednesday 10-5, Thursday 10-7, Friday 10-5, and Saturdays 10-1. Steelegrafix will do curbside pickup and features online ordering as well.
Acorn Farmers Market and Café is open special hours on Wednesday, November 25 for pre-Thanksgiving shoppers. They’ll also be open regular hours on Friday and Saturday this week. Normal hours of operation for our local food source is 3-6 pm on Thursdays and Fridays, and 10 am to 4 pm on Saturdays.
All Thingz Green is holding regular specials during the holidays. Sherry offers high quality, natural health and wellness products in many forms, from CBD oil and products, essential oils and supplements, to CBD pet products and more. Hours are 2-7 pm Monday-Friday, and Saturdays 10-4.
The Flower Garden is open late on Thursdays and can make you a perfect holiday arrangement for your table or someone else’s. They offer free delivery in the Manchester area.
Don’t forget to visit the Manchester Area Historical Society gift shop in the K-J House at 302 E. Main. Many locally made and historically significant gifts are available for purchase and these purchases support the work of the Society throughout the year. They are currently open 3-8 on Thursday evenings.
Gift certificates are always a welcomed purchase and Manchester’s many professional services appreciate your business as well:
– a facial from Beauty by Kellie Dawna
– a haircut and style or color treatment at local salons Marti’s, Trés Beau, and Village Hair Forum
– massage from Andrews Family Chiropractic or Maisano’s Massage Therapy
– an oil change and tire rotation at Ash Auto or Wolf’s Westside
– a subscription to The Manchester Mirror, or make a monthly Patreon donation in their name all year long
Shop local whenever you can–it helps you and it truly helps our community!
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