Holy Guacamole Podcast

Wight Tea is the brain child of Brittany and Joey--a sister and bother duo. Their deep knowledge of tea is a good match for the pandemic, given the endless time we have to study and learn. Opening now has been a saving grace as their wholesale business to restaurants disappeared. They knew their soon-to-be retail would help. Now open for a month, supportive fans of Wight Tea, and tea-lovers alike, are their new base. Enjoy, and consider supporting with an in-person visit, or an online purchase. https://www.wighttea.com

Remember, these stories are to inspire local, independent operations around the country. To get through this we are going to need a boatload of support!

Nightbrunch creator, and Baltimore native, Jason Bass has just joined Revival Hotel -- Director of Culture and Impact. Donte Johnson, GM of Revival, comes to Baltimore from DC, bringing his high-touch hospitality to Mt Vernon, in central Baltimore. They are enthusiastically to bring art and culture of Baltimore into every corner and open. It's dynamic and it's elusive...and yet it's wonderful that guests have experienced our fair city through their eyes. Creativity started with a Black History month display in the lobby, and became much more dynamic, and servant leaders by organizing food and meals for people in Baltimore who have lost their jobs and need groceries and a meal.

Listen for ways your business can share what you are doing already. Fact is, many businesses are already doing the right thing, now those stories need to be shared!

Sarah is a former nurse who worked through the SARS virus. She switched gears to running two bakeries in downtown Kansas City. In March, COVID-19 led to many businesses to close, or reset. Bloom Bakery stayed open. She gathered her team and made the decision to remain serving, as long as they could serve safely with her medical knowledge. The first pivot was from French bakery to delivering meal kits. Local media picked up her story, which thankfully led to her second pivot--delivering to hospitals. Recognizing that Feeding the Frontline was dwindling, the third pivot began, and we will hear more, in Sarah's own words. Enjoy. We are eager to share the stories that inspire you to keep going, and maybe even keep growing, in spite of the pandemic. Look up Bloom Bakery at https://bloombakingco.com/ and follow their journey on social media.

(Full disclosure, Bloom Bakery is a client with Martha Lucius, so rest assured, conversation gets animated. Don't worry we kept it G rated!)

Laura Missioreck has been a graphic designer for over 20 years, and built Graphic Element to support many industries, including restaurants. Today's interview between Laura and Martha gives you a view into how Laura has been able to help brands as they navigate new service and menu habits due to the pandemic. Her website is Graphic Element. She also mentions creating a QR code that links to your menu. Consider creating your own, here is a company we know: Create QR Menu.

Mr. Nice Guy Cocktails is in Baltimore's Canton neighborhood. Anthony Nastasi—owner and bartender--quickly chose the alternative to days of watching Netflix. Chillaxing during the pandemic wasn't as intriguing as making creative cocktails for friend, neighbors and new customers!

With the help of an animated Pineapple (story revealed in the podcast) he's given people something new to ponder besides the pandemic. He has great service stories and you'll enjoy his smart business adventure. Until we invent the smell-a-vision, have a look at Mr. Nice Guy Cocktail menu. If you are close, taste-test one, two or more for yourself. Carryout available.

If you need help creating a QR code menu, check out this link. .

Good Neighbor is in Baltimore. A space started by husband and wife duo Anne Morgan and Shawn Chopra. Novices to ownership, these two celebrate culture, art and heritage. Anne is from an Egyptian family and Shaun is from an Indian family. Flavors and culture start there, and are abundant thoughout their menu (thank you, Chef DJ), their interior, and vibe. Take a look at Good Neighbor. Their influences do invite you in like a neighbor!

Sharing Khepri Cafe's story from Chicago. Owners, Tatum Dawes and Isaac Melton opened their cafe in February, just prior to the pandemic. Their concept includes a CBD twist to a traditional cafe menu with a community focus. Tatum has a refined flair which starts with the menu, includes retail products from other local small businesses, and extends to Tatum's CBD company, Higher Healing (https://www.higherhealing.life). There are idea sparks here! Inspiring other independents around the US.

---

https://marthalucius.com

Highlighting an urban Mediterranean Cafe called Baba's Kitchen. Farid Salloum, the owner of Baba's, a quick serve place where community and customers are one in the same. In this interview you'll hear how adding online ordering, combined with great monthly emails and solid social media, is keeping sales solid.

---

http://marthalucius.com

http://www.blueforkmarketing.com/

Get to know co-hosts Martha Lucius and Dave Seel a bit better as they discuss the support independent restaurants want and need right now as they try to reopen during the pandemic.

---

http://marthalucius.com

http://blueforkmarketing.com/

Co-hosts Martha Lucius and Dave Seel describe the pandemic landscape and tell stories of creative solutions they have been seeing in the restaurant business.

---

http://marthalucius.com

http://blueforkmarketing.com/