“Innovation is born from the interaction between constraint and vision.” – Marissa Mayer
Conversation on a weekly happy hour video call recently drifted to the creativity and innovation we’re seeing from clients, restaurants, breweries, coffee shops and community members. From online ordering to satiate our burrata cravings (with a side of braised lamb shank, please), to curbside coffee pickup and community window gardens — the list is inspiring, empowering and delightful.
We hope you enjoy this roundup of a few of our favorite businesses and organizations who are connecting with customers and community through creativity and innovation.
Favorite: Eats
- Sue Kidd of dinepiercecounty.com was among the first to make sure South Sound residents and restaurants could stay connected through the Covid-19 closures. She created this spreadsheet with information for more than 200 restaurants. We love this list because it was one of the first resources available to our community with clear information about how to support our favorite restaurants.
- It was a quarantine milestone we will all remember: the day we learned we could place an online order with Primo Grill. Farm to table to curbside pickup. Tip from our team: Click and add to the Panna Cotta and a bottle of L’Ecole Syrah to your order.
- The Downtown Tacoma Partnership created Hero Meals. Donations made to Hero Meals purchases meals from local restaurants and gives the meals to front line workers. We love how simple this site makes it for community members to support people working through the Covid-19 crisis. Bonus points for a killer hashtag: #BeAHeroFeedAHero.
Favorite: Drinks
- Your favorite coffee shop might be closed but online ordering is available, in some cases with a double shot of charity. Bluebeard and Anthem Coffee will match your online purchase of coffee beans with a donation to hospital workers. If you still need your frappe-fix, Anthem offers curbside pick up at three of their locations when you order through the Joe Coffee App.
Favorite: Wellness
- Our friends at the YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap County are showing a strong digital game offering full fitness programs and classes online through Y360. We also love keeping up with their social media challenges. Have you tried the #300RepChallenge yet?
- Covid-19 stress is real. Quarantine Dreams is even a topic trending on the internet. Quiet your mind with meditiation. Our leader, Brian started practicing meditation daily a year and a half ago and endorses the meditation and mindfulness app Headspace with two Jnana Mudras.
Favorite: Creative Activities
- “In a time of isolation and uncertainty, we will overcome the challenges of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak together through art, kindness, caring and service.” MultiCare’s Hope Grows Here project connects people through art and creativity. From Mary Bridge Children’s hospital to local businesses and your next door neighbor, the window gardens Hope Grows Here inspires give us hope.
- We are proud sponsors and die-hard fans of the Tacoma Defiance. We miss routing for our team. In the meantime, these coloring sheets are defiantly delightful.
Favorite: Resources
- Our friends at the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber and Economic Development Board for Tacoma-Pierce County created Rapid Response South Sound. This website offers information, resources and support for business owners navigating the impacts of the Covid-19 crisis. Business owners can connect with experts via Zoom meetings three times a week. Praise hands emoji for this valuable resource.
Have suggestions for next week’s list? Find us on social @sitecrafting or email us at hello@sitecrafting.com
