The best thing about COVID-19 confinement so far is, undoubtedly, the empathy, support and various relief resources provided by beverage and spirits-related institutions, companies, establishments and people throughout Miami.
We at 2ozmag wish to acknowledge and thank all those who have generously spurred movements and aid initiatives in our city.
One of the first to lead was Spanglish Bar which, in partnership with Grails and brands such as Topo Chico, Red Bull, Don Q, Redemption Whiskey, Cumbé, Courvoisier, Plantation, Ketel One, Rum Java and East Imperial, among others, has created a free meal program for all workers in the industry who are being left unemployed due to security measures necessitated by COVID-19.
Pernod Ricard USA has also been providing staff meals in partnership with small local businesses to aid both business owners and workers. Some of the participating restaurants so far are Lucali, DC Pie, Machialina, Baby Jane, Stiltsville, Beaker & Gray, Pizza Tropical, 27, Ariete, Nave, La Placita, Taquiza, Taquerias el Mexicano, Ball & Chain, Sweet Liberty, John Martins, Killer Melts at Yumbrella and Deli Lane.
USBG Miami Chapter has created a relief fund led by the USBG National Charity Fund for local bartenders and created a list of available resources they can apply to for aid during these challenging times. Coconut Cartel is currently supporting the USBG funds by donating a percentage of their online sales until May 1st.
The AMASS Storyteller Community is a newly launched online forum geared towards bartenders, creatives and other spirited supporters of the AMASS brand. Formed in response to the sudden closures of bars and restaurants, members now have a resource for continuing to trade stories and information as well as for accessing everything from unemployment help to at-home cocktail ideas. Mid-March, AMASS introduced an alcohol-based botanic hand wash and partnered with hospitals and non-profits nationwide to provide hand wash to those who need it most. Industry folks looking to get involved and generate extra income during this time can join the Storyteller Affiliate Program, in which members earn 20% commission on all converted sales of their hand wash.
Mixology Ice, a small local business, is contributing its specialty ice to bartenders producing creative digital content.
Montserrat Franco from Volcán de mi Tierra Tequila, Natalia Cardenas from Woodford Whiskey and Maria Camila Ruiz from Bruxo Mezcal, some of our local brand ambassadors, created care packages to brighten up a bartenders’ day and make their stay-at-home more productive. They included bottles, various goodies and even customized notes for an extra-personal touch: “Our mission is to serve others and deliver happiness. We are living in historic times when, more than ever, we need to check on friends and loved ones, call them, see how they are. Solidarity comes not only from material resources but also from a kind word or a thoughtful message. Until we are physically reunited, we can best support each other with an open heart,” said Franco.
Each day we are witnessing new ways in which businesses are accommodating their models in order to stay open while creating relief funds to assist their employees, new webinars to educate, virtual meetings, virtual parties, and more. Right now, empathy and social connection have never been more vital or more healing.
We invite you to stay tuned as we’ll be sharing as much information as we possibly can to help spread the word about initiatives as well as how we can best serve our community during this time. We always welcome suggestions and collaborations. Let’s keep our spirits up until we can revel out-of-doors once again.
These are some IG accounts you can follow for staff meal updates and general information: