As COVID-19 precautions and closures take effect in Illinois and Champaign County, it’s important to consider some alternative approaches to shopping local and supporting the local economy. There are many ways you can support local businesses and their employees while also maintaining social distancing and stay-at-home recommendations. At the Champaign Center Partnership, we also encourage the public to take precautions recommended by the Champaign-Urbana Public Health Department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
- Stay at home when sick
- Cover your coughs and sneezes
- Wash your hands often
- Avoid touching your face
- Maintain 6-ft distance between people
- Avoid gatherings of 50 or more people
For more information about COVID-19 and preparedness resources, please visit the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District on Facebook. The CUPHD hotline is 217-239-7877. You can also email questions to CUPHD at coronavirus@c-uphd.org.
How can you support local businesses?
Eating out
The beginning of July brings with it a renewed hope for several small businesses in our community as we enter into Phase 4 of the “Restore Illinois” plan. Indoor seating with restrictions at bars and restaurants is now available. Remember to plan your visit to bar or restaurant because restrictions could be in effect. In addition, the City of Champaign with the Champaign Park District have established Picnic Parks at select locations downtown.
Learn more about what businesses are offering carryout and curbside delivery in downtown Champaign.
Purchase gift cards/certificates
Many businesses offer gift cards or certificates for sale. Purchasing gift cards is a great way to support local businesses because it’s an investment in the places you love and investment in a great night out later on. Think about it: when social distancing restrictions are loosened, you will want to go out and enjoy a warm meal with friends at your favorite restaurants ! Most restaurants, bars, retail stores, and entertainment destinations sell gift cards and certificates – learn more.
Carry out and local delivery
Governor Pritzker mandated that all bars and restaurants must close for dine-in until the end of May. Curbside pickup, carry out, and delivery are still options for many businesses and customers! In Downtown Champaign, the City used its emergency powers to designate curbside pickup locations near many restaurants. Some businesses also use third-party delivery services like Uber Eats and Grubhub. Many retailers also offer curbside pickup and delivery. Call ahead to some of stores around town for instructions or follow their social media.
Follow and share on social media
Use some of the time on your hands to follow your favorite businesses who are constantly posting about their products and services. Many businesses also use social media to update followers about store closures, changes in hours, or how their store is responding or adapting to this ever-changing public health situation. Share some love and support by liking or following your favorite businesses on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Most businesses are updating their hours, menus, and posting items for sale on Facebook and other social media.
What businesses can you support?
Here’s a dynamic list of business members and supporters in the Champaign Center Partnership. For a more comprehensive list of businesses across the county, please visit Visit Champaign County’s website.
FOOD & BEVERAGE
Bentley’s Pub | Downtown | Outdoor seating by INVITE ONLY. Check Facebook page for updates.
Big Grove Tavern | Downtown | Curbside and outdoor seating. To make a reservation, email sales@biggrovetavern.com.
Brewlab Coffee | Campustown | Carry out orders only, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. every day. Gift certificates available. Items for sale online.
Collective Pour | Downtown | Package sales, crowlers and gift cards, call your order to 217-607-5292; open Monday through Friday 3–6pm and Saturday & Sunday 12pm to 3pm.
Cold Stone Creamery | Campustown | GrubHub, Door Dash or Uber Eats; or call 217-367-5555 for curbside pickup
Esquire Lounge | Downtown | Outdoor seating available. Call 217-398-5858 to make a reservation. Open for carryout Wednesday through Saturday 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. Order Ahead for Pick-Up, Take out, Patio Seating
Hamilton Walker’s | Downtown | Open for outdoor seating. Make your reservation here.
Howdy Burger | Campustown | Carry out and delivery everyday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. *Check them out on Chowbus!
Ko Fusion | Downtown | Takeout and curbside pickup during normal store hours *curbside pick-up zone in Neil-Washington parking lot!
Kung Fu Tea | Campustown | Open for curbside pickup and delivery. Check them out on Chowbus!
Legends Bar & Grill | Campustown | Outdoor seating available.
Lodgic Everyday Kitchen | Out-of-district | Outdoor seating available. Hours are 10:00-8:00 7 days a week. Make patio reservations here.
Mid Summer Lounge | Campustown | Carry out and delivery everyday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. *Check them out on Chowbus!
Neil St. Blues | Downtown | Closed until further notice.
Pizzeria Antica | Downtown | Open for carryout or 3rd party delivery Mon-Thu 4:00–8:00, Fri & Sat 4:00-9:00. *curbside pick-up zone on Chester Street!
Pokelab from Hawaii | Campustown | Open 12:00–9:00 p.m. daily for delivery and carryout only. *Check them out on Chowbus!
Pour Bros. Craft Taproom | Downtown | Reopen for patio seating. Tue-Thu 3:00-10:00, Fri-Sun 12:00-10:00. See Facebook page for procedures.
Sticky Rice | Downtown | Carry out only 12:00–7:00 p.m., closed on Tuesdays
Teamoji | Campustown | Carry out and delivery everyday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. *Check them out on Chowbus!
RETAIL & SHOPPING
Apricot Lane Boutique | Campustown | Open to the public. Follow their Facebook page for online sales.
Austin’s Sportswear | Downtown | Closed until further notice.
Christopher & Co.| Downtown | Open by appointment only Wednesdays and Saturdays — call or text 217-352-2415.
Circles Boutique | Downtown | Order online at circlesboutique.com. Store open to the public. Shipping and pickup available – call 217-359-2195.
Dandelion Vintage | Downtown | Follow Facebook for updates on reopening.
Gameday Spirits Fanstore | Campustown | Shop online and curbside pickup.
Furniture Lounge | Downtown | Closed to the public. Call for gift cards or purchase online, appointments, pictures, and delivery – call 217-418-5135.
Habitat for Humanity ReStore | Midtown | Shop online and curbside pickup and drop off. Open to the public with restrictions.
Illini Union Bookstore | Campustown | Closed until further notice.
Jane Addams Book Shop | Downtown | Curbside order pickups and book drop-off, M-F 1 – 4 p.m. Gift cards available for purchase.
Jos. Kuhn & Co. | Downtown | Open.
Live Action Games | Downtown | Open for normal hours, curbside only. Sales associate will shop for you and store pick-up – call 217-359-4263.
Plant Mode | Midtown | Curbside pickup available.
Spritz Jewelers | Downtown | Open with restrictions. Visit us at 205 Neil Tuesday-Saturday, open at 9:30 AM
Ten Thousand Villages | Downtown | Temporary hours Tue-Sat 11-5. Order over the phone — call 217-352-8200.
Walnut Street Tea Co. | Downtown | Bulk tea or coffee for sale online. Sales associate will shop for you and store pick- up – call 217-351-6975.
Weiskamp Screen Printing | Downtown | Walk-in ordering or pickup by appointment only.
ATTRACTIONS, ENTERTAINMENT, & EDUCATION
Champaign Public Library | Downtown | Curbside pickup Mon-Thur 3:00-7:00 and Fri-Sun 1:00-4:00
The Virginia Theatre | Downtown | Theatre concessions will now be available for online order and curbside pick-up during select times. Curbside service begins Friday, May 29, and will run through August 29, 2020, Fridays and Saturdays, from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. For more information and to purchase concessions online, visit thevirginia.org.
HEALTH, WELLNESS, & PERSONAL SERVICES
Beck Training | Out-of-district | Free at home workouts. Sign up online.
Flatland Tattoos | Midtown | Open for appointments only.
G.A.S. Barbershop & Hair Salon | Downtown | Follow Facebook for reopening updates.
Illini Eyecare | Campustown | Open for appointments only — call 217-351-6110.
Kessler Optical | Downtown | Open for appointments only — call 217-356-5377.
Vintage Edge Barber Shop | Downtown| Open for appointments only — call 217-530-9609.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Busey | Downtown | Drive through and ATM banking only.
Edward Jones: Nicole Kingery | Out-of-district | Open for normal hours.
Goosehead Insurance: Gene & Charlene Guldbrandsen | Downtown | Open for normal hours.
Hickory Point Bank | Downtown | Drive through and ATM banking only.
L M Thomas Group | Out-of-district | Videoconferencing support and virtual office hours available – email matt@lmthomasgroup.com.
What businesses are closed?
Bossa Nova | Downtown | Closed for renovations.
Champaign County History Museum | Midtown | Closed until further notice *donations accepted online
Ragstock | Campustown | Closed until further notice.
Written by Xander Hazel, Executive Director of the Champaign Center Partnership. Updated June 2, 2020. For more information or to provide input and business updates, please email info@champiagncenter.com.
