Alexandria Businesses Adapt During Coronavirus Outbreak

ALEXANDRIA, VA — The growing outbreak of new coronavirus, or COVID-19, creates uncertainty in plenty of ways. In the business community, this is especially true for small businesses and their employees. With all residents advised to practice social distancing and high-risk individuals urged to stay home, Alexandria businesses are adapting with creative solutions.

Visit Alexandria has introduced a new page called ALX at Home detailing how small businesses continue to reach patrons.

Here are just a few of the highlights:

Acme Mid-Century + Modern is planning Facetime tours available by appointment with curbside pickup and delivery for most items.

AR Workshop canceled its workshops through March 31 but is offering DIY kits to take home for something to do.

Bellacara will have daily deals posted to Facebook and Instagram with curbside pickup.

Chop Shop Taco has home meals available through online order and zero-contact payment and pickup. The $110 meal package feeds four to five people with selections of meats, garnishes, salsas, crispy and flour tortillas, rice and beans, and guacamole. As a bonus, the orders come with a $25 gift card and two rolls of toilet paper — yes, you read that correctly.

Hooray for Books is closed while continuing to offer curbside pickup and is reducing the shipping charge through at least April 1.

Hops N Shine has carry-out food and beer (canned beers, growler fills, and filled-to-order 19.2 ounce in-house can fills) as well as GrubHub delivery.

Hummingbird Bar + Kitchen's "Fly on Down" Dinner Bags come with a complete dinner for two, wine and dessert.

Junction Bakery & Bistro is offering grab-and-go items like sandwiches and a market selection of pasta, sauces, wine, desserts and more for curbside pickup and delivery.

Lost Boy Cider is offering ciders through online ordering or by phone with contact-free payment and pickup.

Misha's Coffee Roasters switched to carry-out only service, but whole bean coffee is also available for delivery.

Old Town Books has a "With Love, From Old Town" subscription service with a monthly release selected by Old Town Books staff delivered to your door. In addition, the bookstore is planning $1 shipping, "Writer's Retreat" care packages and virtual author workshops.

Port City Brewing Company closed its tasting room, but customers can order beer for curbside pickup and buy gift cards online.

Sweet Fire Donna's, Pork Barrel BBQ and Sushi Bar have tented curbside pickup with zero contact.

Check out all of the ways to support Alexandria businesses during the COVID-19 outbreak at www.visitalexandriava.com/alxathome. Share your other suggestions for supporting small businesses in the comments below.