Local and family owned businesses are taking a huge hit during the COVID-19 crisis: restaurants, retail, our favorite college bars and liquor stores. These businesses, specifically, are the heart and soul of the Stillwater and Oklahoma State community, and with the mandatory closings and the lack of college students, they're taking a huge financial cut. People have lost their jobs and paychecks because of this and if we let businesses like these succumb completely to the downfall of our economy, we'll lose the things that make our little towns unique.
Here are 10 local businesses in Stillwater that need you now more than ever!
Eskimo Joe's
When I say that local businesses are the heart and soul of a community, especially the ones that are iconic to a community's culture, Eskimo Joe's is the primary example. Ever since the 70s, Joe's has been the staple of the college community. Food, drinks, retail, pep rallies; you name it, Joe's has got it.
Right now, the restaurant side of Eskimo Joe's is offering take-out to its loyal cheese-fry lovers. However, the retail side of things has been shut down amidst the mandatory closings and social distancing protocols. Even though you can't walk in and shop, pull out your credit card and do some online shopping on their website!
Brown's Bottle Shop
I may be a little biased because this is my place of employment but Brown's is one of the best (if not the best) liquor stores in town, and they have the awards to prove it! They have one of the largest selections of wine that I've ever seen and plenty of spirits to make your party legendary.
Chris' University Spirit
Chris' is iconic for their clothing, accessories, and so on that fully support Oklahoma State University and Stillwater Public Schools. They don't call it "Your one stop Cowboy shop" for no reason because you'll always find what you're looking for with smiling faces there to help!
Since the coronavirus shutdown, our favorite university retailer closed for the time being but you can still support them with some online shopping!!
Wooden Nickel
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Apparel for men and women and cute decor? Yes, please! The convenience of the location is just down the street from the BPL Plasma Donation Center, so there's always an opportunity for a mini shopping spree! Their doors are closed at this time but as usual, there's always the option of shopping online!
405 Mercantile
This is honestly your go-to place in Stillwater if you want some southern aesthetic in your home, or on you! While the photo is only the tip of the iceberg, just imagine how you can make your home pinterest-worthy with these decor options, or how cute you can look in their women's apparel!
And yes, you can shop online!
Granny's Kitchen
As college students, we miss good home-cooking and when we can't make it home, we go to Granny's! Classic southern meals are here from breakfast till dinner and I promise, you never go home hungry.
However, because of everything going on, Granny's still offers take-out and delivery for those who want home-cooking without cooking at home. Try something Granny made; you won't regret it.
Empire Nutrition
Don't worry, I didn't forget about our favorite healthy and nutritious shakes and teas. Speaking from personal experience, the drinks are so good!! Most of the time, you can't even tell that they're supposed to be good for you. I mean, we all know that foods and drinks that are meant to promote health and wellness have that taste to them, but these are the exception to the rule. You'll think you're treating yourself to something sweet, and you are, but you're also getting some great nutrients into your system!
Because of a lack of information online, I'm not entirely sure if there's a take-out option for this specific business. All the more reason to support them when their doors open again! We miss them, and I'm sure they miss us just as much! Check out their Facebook in the meantime!
Chillwater
Yet another apparel store that we love and miss so much that have also shut their doors. Chillwater is the Stillwater equivalent to Patagonia, I'm telling you. You don't go a single day without seeing someone repping Chillwater proudly because everything is just so comfortable!
Show them some love online!
Bliss Books & Bindery
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I'm not going to lie, this cute store has the same vibe as the one that Joe works at in YOU. The plus side: there's no creepy clerks that are going to stalk you and kill the people you care about.
In all seriousness, this store is adorable, has an amazing section, and the best people to help you out! Although I have to admit, I'm not entirely sure if their doors are open for business at the moment but they do offer online purchases! If you're looking for something to do during quarantine, grab one of their books!
Balanced Coffee
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What kind of college students would we be if we didn't financially support a place that sells us coffee? We've got Starbucks and Aspen, sure, but if you want to take a step outside the common caffeinated realm, Balanced Coffee Co. is the place to go! And yes, of course, they have little pastries fresh and ready to go just for you!
This may be another one of those businesses that may not participate in the take-out option, though I'm not entirely sure. Regardless, when things eventually get better, be there when their doors open and their products will be totally worth it!!
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Taylor Swift and Phoebe Bridgers sharing a joyful duet on stage.
