Reimagining a Business in a Time of Need
When Henry Rothschild found out that his Downtown company, Broffs Diamond and Loan, was on Governor Tom Wolfe's list of "life-sustaining" businesses his first feeling was relief. "It was great news at first," he said. "But then the reality of the situation set in. I knew I could only do it if I could keep everyone safe."
Broff's is a collateral-based loan agency and is considered a "Nondepository Credit Intermediation" service. As such, it is permitted to continue to operate during the COVID-19 crisis, but it was up to Rothschild to make sure it could be done safely.
"We closed the store on the same day as the Governor's orders," Rothschild said. "Then we sat down and figured out how we could build a 'safe-zone' inside the store. Something that could provide social distancing for customers and keep our staff separated and safe as well."
His solution was to temporarily close and create an entirely new space within the front area of the store. The new safe zone has two plexiglass "bank teller" windows with small portals where jewelry can be safely passed before being sanitized.
"We're making sure to wear masks and sanitize everything we touch, but I really felt like we needed to do more," he said. "We service a very wide community. Some customers have been coming to us for years and years. We needed to take better care of them."
Even after all the hard work, Rothschild says he's excited to take it all down. "It's great for now," he said, looking at the new construction. "It keeps everyone safe, and I'm so glad we took the time to do things the right way. But honestly, I'm looking forward to the day we can tear it down and get back to normal."
Broff's Diamond and Loan is located in the Clark Building on Liberty Avenue. They offer personal loans on fine jewelry and precious metals. You can find out more on their website: www.broffsdiamondloan.com.
New Downtown Resident, Tracy Lawless, K & L Gates
When I moved Downtown in March I was anticipating the change in the weather from winter to spring and excited about the prospect of all that Downtown living has to offer. Then the crisis hit and now there are several things I took for granted that I miss, but one that stands out is baseball season. It hits me in the face every day when I look out my window to see the glorious PNC Park.
I was planning to work from home on April 2nd for the home opener so I could look out my living room window and take in all the action Opening Day has to offer, even knowing that our beloved Buccos were staring at yet another losing season. Now each day that beautiful ballpark mocks me. Little did I know that I would be working from home in the weeks prior to Opening Day as well as after. Now on my "morning commute" from my kitchen to my living room, all I see is an empty ballpark with an occasional groundskeeper manicuring the field. Pittsburgh is getting robbed not just of a fun pastime, but the vibrancy and energy that a ball game brings to our Downtown.
The second thing I missed is the annual Downtown CDC dinner. It was not only a terrific networking opportunity for Downtown professionals, it also allowed the Downtown CDC to put a spotlight on the amazing work our local business leaders and elected officials do each day to make our Downtown a great place to live and work.
The three things I'm doing in an era of COVID-19 is:
1. Going for runs along the North Shore. This has allowed me to explore the city more than I would have if I was stuck in the office or in Harrisburg every week.
2. Watching more PCN than ever before, not only to get briefings from state officials, but there are a ton a Pennsylvania history segments and video tours of fun places to visit that provides a very interesting portrait of our Commonwealth's rich history.
3. Ordering delivered groceries from Market Street Grocery! It's so convenient and they have wine!
Takeout and Delivery Restaurant Directory
We are updating as frequently as possible, but information can change by the minute. Please check with individual restaurants for their most up-to-date options. Last update: April 13th at 4:30 p.m.
Downtown & Uptown
Bae Bae's Kitchen
Order kimchi and dumplings anytime and pick up your order on Fridays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (412) 391-1980, www.toasttab.com/bae-baes-kitchen/v3
The Capital Grille
Takeout and complimentary delivery available. (412) 388-9100, thecapitalgrille.com
Corner Mercantile
Open for takeout only from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday until further notice. (412) 586-5738, cornermercantile.com
Downtown Pittsburgh Giovanni's Pizza & Pasta
Offering takeout and extending their delivery services to Downtown, Lawrenceville, Oakland, South Side, North Side, Bloomfield, Shadyside and more. Call to order: (412) 281-7060, ilovegiovannis.com
Eddie V's Prime Seafood
Takeout and complimentary delivery is available by calling (412) 391-1714, eddiev.com
Hapa Hawaiian Grill
Enjoy takeout and delivery by ordering online or through UberEats and Grubhub. (412) 742-4359, hapahawaiiangrill.com
Joe & Pie Cafe & Pizzeria
Contact-free delivery and curbside pickup is available. (412) 402-0444, joeandpie.com
Market Street Grocery
Grocery offerings are available. Grab and go meals, takeout food, to-go wine bottles, and coffee, along with catering delivery, is available. (412) 281-3818, marketstreetgrocery.com
Nicky's Thai Kitchen
Delivery via Grubhub or takeout is available. Currently running To-Go order specials for dinner time (412) 471-8424, nickysthaikitchen.com
Original Oyster House Pittsburgh
Full menu available for takeout and curbside pick-up. Beer also available. (412) 566-7925, originaloysterhousepittsburgh.com
The Yard
Full menu available for delivery via third-party apps; Pick-up available at Market Square and Robinson locations. (412) 291-8182 (Market Square); (412) 489-6763 (Robinson), theyardpgh.com
Mt. Washington
Bigham Tavern
Full menu for takeout and delivery. Servers and bartenders are delivering the food, which can be ordered online. (412) 431-9313, bighamtavern.com
Harris Grill
Takeout, delivery available via Grubhub through 2:00 p.m. daily. (412) 288-5273, harrisgrill.com
Kavsar Uzebek Restaurant
Full menu for pickup; it's requested that your order and pay in advance. Delivery via Grubhub and Postmates. (412) 488-8708, kavsar.info
Redbeard's Sports Bar & Grill - Mt. Washington
Takeout, Online Ordering, Curbside Pickup and Uber Eats delivery. Serving Full Menu. (412) 431-3730, redbeardspgh.com
North Side / North Shore
Arnold's Tea
Full menu for take-out, plus free hot meals for school-aged kids. (412) 322-2494, arnoldsteapittsburgh.com
Foundry Tap & Table
Curbside pick-up of the restaurant's menu. Delivery via third-party apps. (412) 930-0744, thefoundrypgh.com
Legends Eatery
Full menu for takeout, plus delivery via third-party apps. (412) 321-8000, legendseatery.us
Leo
A limited menu of sandwiches and six-packs for pick-up only. leopgh.com
Lola Bistro
A limited menu for pickup only; takeout and curbside pickup is also available Wednesday through Sunday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Call to order (412) 322-1106, lola-bistro.com
Max's Allegheny Tavern
Limited menu available for pickup from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. (412) 231-1899, maxsalleghenytavern.com
Modern Cafe
Takeout menu, plus beer and Leona's ice cream. Now offering delivery via Door Dash. Also selling meat and cheese by the pound, eggs, bread, and other grocery items. (412) 321-4550, themoderncafe.com
South Side
Bonfire
Full first-floor menu to-go for lunch and dinner. Planning to switch to condensed comfort food/family-style menu in the future. (412) 481-3473, bonfire-pgh.com
Café Du Jour
Takeout available Tues. to Sat. 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Orders can be placed in advance by phone. (412) 488-9695, cafedujourpgh.com
Carmella's Plates and Pints
Full menu available for takeout, pick-up, and delivery through third-party vendors. Daily, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. (412) 918-1215, carmellasplatesandpints.com
Carson Street Deli
Full menu available, as well six-packs, for takeout, pick-up or delivery. Will do curbside delivery as well as delivery within a five-mile radius from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday. Available through third-party delivery services during all open hours. (412) 381-5335, carsonstreetdeliandcraftbeerbar.com
Cambod-Ican Kitchen
Menu available for takeout and delivery. (412) 381-6199, cambod-icankitchen.com
Cucina Vitale
Offering breakfast, lunch, dinner menus and Friday fish fry specials for takeout and delivery. (412) 481-8000, cucinavitalepgh.com
Stagioni
Limited menu available for takeout 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wed. to Sun. Email by 2 p.m. to process payment and schedule time for pick-up. (412) 586-4738, stagionipgh.com
Streets on Carson
Takeout and in-house delivery of full menu; delivery via UberEats as well. In-house delivery is free for South Side residents and service industry professionals are offered a 20 percent discount. (412) 918-1006, streetsoncarson412.com
The Pretzel Shop
Take-out window open 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mon to Sat. (412) 431-2574, facebook.com/southsidepretzel
The Pub Chip Shop
Open for takeout. Menu plus daily specials. Calling ahead is encouraged. (412) 381-2447, thepubchipshop.com
Strip District
Cinderlands Warehouse
Menu available for takeout, curbside pick-up, and delivery. Beer available, too. (412) 209-1575. Online ordering: toasttab.com/cinderlands-warehouse/v3#!/
Colangelo's Bakery
Open for takeout with limited hours. Delivery available on Door Dash. (412) 281-7080, facebook.com/Colangelos-Bakery-Cafe-147232655431232/
DiAnoia's Eatery / Pizzeria Davide
Family meals, pasta box kits, pizza meals, and pizza kits. Pre-order online with curbside pick-up at the restaurants. (412) 918-1875, dianoiaseatery.com
Klavon's
One gallon tubs of chocolate and vanilla ice cream, plus cones and sprinkles, available for delivery via third-party apps. (412) 434-0451, klavonsicecream.com
Penn Ave. Fish Company
Box dinners and menu items for takeout. The fish counter is open. (412) 434-7200, pennavefishcompany.com
S&D Polish Deli
Offering curbside pickup seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Grocery delivery is every Wednesday within a 5-mile radius. (412) 281-2906, sdpolishdeli.com
Salem's Market and Grill
Grill open for takeout as well as delivery via third-party apps. The adjoining market also is open and receiving a steady supply of shipments. (412) 235-7828, salemsmarketgrill.com
Salty Pork Bits
Order online for delivery. New products added soon. saltyporkbits.com
Smallman St. Deli
Open Mon to Sat. from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Offering curbside pickup. Delivery via Uber Eats, Postmates, or Grubhub, (412) 434-5800, smallmanstreetdeli.com
Business Assistance Directory
We would like to thank our friends at the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership for putting together this list of resources.
*General Information
Information on Essential vs. Non-Essential Businesses
Pennsylvania has ordered that all non-life-sustaining businesses are to close their physical locations, effective 8:00 p.m. on March 19.
The official Commonwealth of PA website has more information and details including which businesses are considered life-sustaining and how to request a waiver to keep your business open.
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Read a quick overview and guide with answers to common questions related to programs available for small businesses.
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Navigating the CARES Act/Paycheck Protection Program for Small Businesses
Sustainable Pittsburgh has teamed up with Huntington Bank to provide an overview of the CARES Act and Paycheck Protection Programs available to small businesses.
View the full slideshow deck here.
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Allegheny County Health Department Guidelines for Food Facilities
Read up on safety precautions and instructions to take while operating your restaurant through takeout or delivery service.
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University of Pittsburgh Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Consulting & Financial Resources
SBDC Business Consultants are available for individual meetings by phone or video conferencing on multiple platforms. Questions they are able to assist with include applying for loans and grants, taxes, unemployment compensation, and more.
Additionally, they are also maintaining a list of resources geared specifically towards small business owners along with information on closures, exceptions, etc.
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KeyBank Business Continuity Strategies Webinar Series
Join KeyBank for a 6-part Business Continuity Strategies webinar series that will occur over the next three weeks. We'll review the following topics as you address the disruptions and challenges to your payments processes and response plans:
- Strategies and opportunities
- Insights and considerations
- Financial tools and best practices
Register or view past webinars here.
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Information on the CARES Act and Other Legislative, Regulatory, and Administrative Changes in PA
Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney's state government relations team has provided an update on the statewide measures and local government initiatives, along with information on the economic stimulus package known as the CARES Act.
Find their guide and more information here.
*Financial Assistance
Passed on March 27, 2020, The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act has allotted $350 billion in emergency loans to support small businesses impacted by COVID-19 through the Paycheck Protection Program. The new initiative will offer federally guaranteed loans at a low-interest rate, much of which can also be forgivable.
Through the Paycheck Protection Program, your business can apply to borrow up to 2.5 times your average monthly payroll costs in 2019, up to $10 million.
Learn more via Honeycomb Credit.
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Urban Redevelopment Authority COVID-19 Small Business Assistance Loan Program
*NOTE: This program is now operating on a WAITLIST
Eligibility for this loan program is limited to existing businesses within the City of Pittsburgh that have been affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Eligible use of funds include: rent, insurance, payroll, and other fixed assets.
Loans of up to $15,000 can be requested.
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U.S. Small Business Administration COVID-19 Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources
Learn more about the federal government's guidance for businesses and employers, the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program, access to capital, and local assistance offices.
The U.S. Small Business Administration is directing businesses to apply for the Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL). The SBA can provide loans to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses along with low-interest rates.
More guidance and resources here.
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Specialty Group COVID-19 Relief Loans for Bars, Restaurants, and Beer Distributors
Specialty Group is offering COVID-19 Relief Loans to Bars, Restaurants, & Beer Distributors. The loans feature 3 Months without payments, no prepayment penalty, waived filing fees, and terms from 2 to 5 years in length. Eligible businesses can borrow up to $75,000. The application process is quick, and funding can occur in as little as 5 business days.
Additionally, Specialty Group can help businesses acquire the proper licenses and approvals to sell bottles of wine to-go and deliver beer.
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Honeycomb Small Business Relief Loan
To help deliver the working capital that businesses need, Honeycomb is offering 45-day payment free periods, 6-month interest-only periods and reducing their posting, success, and investor fees.
Loans are available for amounts up to $50,000.
Kiva Pittsburgh Small Business Microloans
Kiva Pittsburgh offers small business owners microloans of up to $10,000 with zero percent (0%) interest with repayment periods of up to three years.
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The Emergency Action Fund will address the immediate and long-term impacts of COVID-19 by providing funding for operating support for small and mid-sized nonprofit organizations serving communities with predominantly low-income households, organizations that manage emergency funds, support for Federally Qualified Health Centers, and small arts organizations/individual artists.
More about the Emergency Action Fund here.
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Matching Small Business Relief Grants from GoFundMe
As part of the Small Business Relief Initiative, GoFundMe, Yelp, and Intuit QuickBooks have each donated $500,000 to the Small Business Relief Fund. GoFundMe.org, the company's charitable and advocacy arm, started the Small Business Relief Fund to benefit small businesses. Supporters can donate to the Small Business Relief Fund and GoFundMe.org will provide grants to small businesses across the United States, starting with the hardest-hit areas.
The Small Business Relief Fund will be issuing $500 matching grants to qualifying businesses that raise at least $500 on GoFundMe.
For FAQs and how to donate, learn more here.
*Advertising & Technical Assistance
Facebook Small Business Grants
Facebook is offering $100M in cash grants and ad credits for up to 30,000 eligible small businesses in over 30 countries where they operate, with more information to be available soon.
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Yelp Resources for Restaurants & Small Businesses
Yelp has announced $25 million in relief, primarily focused on supporting independent local restaurant and nightlife businesses, in the form of waived advertising fees, and free advertising, products, and services.
Restaurants will also receive three months of free access to Yelp Reservations and Waitlist. For restaurant clients that offer delivery and/or takeout, we'll provide $100 in free search advertising. In addition to waiving advertising fees for independent restaurant and nightlife clients during this period when they've been most impacted, we're also offering support for independent local advertisers in other categories that are struggling to pay their bills during this difficult time.
Individual and Family Assistance
We would like to thank our friends at the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership for putting together this list of resources.
If you are unable to work due to the COVID-19/Coronavirus outbreak, Pennsylvania has recently updated its Unemployment Compensation with new information. Now, if your employer temporarily closes, reduces your hours, or you have been told to self-isolate, Pennsylvania is waiving the Work Search and Work Registration requirements and suspending the one-week waiting period.
Those eligible can apply online. Learn more here.
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Virtual Tip Jar for Service Workers
A team from Carnegie Mellon University's Center for Ethics and Policy has launched a Virtual Tip Jar so Pittsburghers can support their favorite coffee shop, restaurant, bar, and other service workers that may be out of work.
Learn more on the Tip Jar here.
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GPAC Emergency Fund and National Resources for Artists
The Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council's Emergency Fund for Artists provides up to $500 in assistance to artists experiencing a loss of income due to the Coronavirus outbreak.
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Comcast Launches Various Internet Programs
Xfinity WiFi hotspots, located throughout the city, will be available to anyone for free, even without a subscription. Additionally, no disconnects or late fees will be assessed on current subscribers.
For low-income customers, families are eligible to receive 60 days of complimentary Internet Essentials service.
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COVID-19 Housing Stabilization Fund
The COVID-19 Housing Stabilization Fund is designed to provide short-term assistance to workers who have experienced a reduction in hours and are facing financial hardship to pay rent and utilities.
Beginning Monday, March 23, households in need of rental, mortgage payment, and/or utility assistance, specifically because their work hours were cut due to COVID-19, may call the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh at (412) 227-4163 to be screened for assistance.
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City of Pittsburgh Financial Empowerment Center One-on-One Counseling
Pittsburgh's Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) offers one-on-one, professional financial counseling as a free public service. The FEC helps clients take control of their debt, deal with debt collectors, improve their credit, create a budget, save, connect to safe and affordable financial products, and much more.
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Additional Resources
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania maintains an additional list of resources for individuals and families, including Driver Services, Utility Assistance, Financial Help and more. Visit the PA.gov resources page.
- Listing of Free Food Distribution Sites throughout the region
- Humane Animal Rescue's Pet Helpline
- Duquesne Light Waiving Late Fees through May 1
Additionally, those seeking other services not listed may find assistance by calling 211 or visiting pa211sw.org.
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Human Services
Per Allegheny County, individuals who may be experiencing fear, anxiety, or stress related to the COVID-19 pandemic are encouraged to speak with someone to assist in emotional support:
- Peer Support and Advocacy Network (PSAN)
10:00 a.m. - Midnight
1-866-661-WARM (9726)
- Resolve Crisis Services
24 hours/7 days a week
1-888-796-8226
Canceled or Postponed Events
Many events throughout the region have been postponed or canceled. Our friends at City Paper have provided a list of event changes throughout the region that can be found here.
More Than Just Downtown: Weekly Round-Up
Good Food Pittsburgh shares Pittsburgh's latest restaurant and food news.
This week: Sign up for these Pittsburgh CSA programs, how to get alcohol delivered to your door, a new date night delivery business launches and more: https://goodfoodpittsburgh.com/more-than-just-downtown-weekly-roundup-0413/
