YouAlberta
For years, local businesses on and around north campus have supported University of Alberta students with great services and products, student discounts, and student group sponsorship. With the current measures put into place to help slow the spread of COVID-19, small businesses are struggling to make ends meet. That's why I put together a short list of campus-area local businesses that we can support from a distance.
1. Gaya Korean Restaurant
This mom and pop, traditional Korean restaurant is located just across the street from Timms Centre for the Arts and Telus International Centre and is open for delivery and take out. They've got beef bulgogi, bibimbap, spicy soups, and more!
2. Crankpots Ceramic Studio
Looking for something creative to do while we stay inside? Paint your own ceramic with "Covid-19 Sanity Kits" from Crankpots! Give them a call to arrange a take-home kit for you (or for any kids you need to entertain) - complete with paint, brushes, and ceramics!
3. Varsity Optical
Located on Whyte Ave, Varsity Optical is still open for any emergency eye care needs like eye infections, sudden loss of vision, broken or last glasses, or contact lens refills. Their optometrists are University of Alberta graduates and they take U of A Studentcare coverage.
4. Filistix
Missing your weekly Kimchi Beef or Coconut Chicken Bowl? Filistix is available for pickup and deliveries. For lunch, place order by 10 a.m. and lunch will be delivered between Noon to 1 p.m. the same day. You can also pick up at their downtown location Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Note: there is no lunch on Saturdays and they are closed Sundays. As for dinner, place your order by 2 p.m. to have your dinner delivered between 5 to 7 p.m. on the same day.
5. Metro Cinema (at Garneau Theatre)
Just because the movie theatre is closed doesn't mean you have to miss out on your Metro Cinema dates! They are hosting virtual screenings of first-run films in partnership with North American distributors. Half of your on-demand screening fee will come back to Metro Cinema to help them weather these unprecedented times!
6. Old Strathcona Farmers' Market
As an essential service and grocery store, the market is committed to providing fresh, nutritious options during this time of uncertainty. Within the OSFM are several local businesses that rely on community support to keep going!
7. Yelo'd
With the weather slowly warming up, we definitely need our ice cream fix. Yelo'd is a proudly Filipino soft serve and bake shoppe. You can order your favourites for curb-side pickup or delivery.
8. SUBPrint
Need something printed? SUBPrint remains open for business! Pick-ups will be arranged by appointment only, and new print jobs must be submitted electronically via email or through this website. They will also contact you if we have any concerns or questions before printing.
9. Dorinku Tokyo
This local business offers a creative take on Japanese street food and nightlife. Not only are they offering their full menu, they also have a selection of sake, shochu, and beer available for pick up for delivery. If you order directly on their website, you can receive 10% off using code 2020.
10. Hexagon Board Game Cafe
Are you feeling…board at home? You can now order your favourite games online for curbside pickup at Hexagon's Whyte Ave location. Their pickup hours are from Noon to 3 p.m. on Wednesday and Saturday.
11. Farrow Sandwiches
This campus favourite is open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. with special precautions in place: one customer in the building at a time, all sandwiches are pre-made, no cash, and everything is sanitized in between customers. They also serve delicious baked goods - an assortment of donuts, cronuts, muffins and more! The Garneau location is at 8422 109 ST.
12. SUBmart
Your local general/grocery store on north campus is still open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday. SUBmart sells a wide variety of candy, pop, chips, gum and chocolate, as well as healthy food choices including protein bars, fresh fruit, veggies… and much more. You can reach out if you have any questions about stock.
13. Remedy
Craving a chai tea and wrap from Remedy? Make an order with a minimum purchase of $15 and pay through the Remedy App, then call the cafe with contactless delivery instructions. They are also offering pick-up if you live close to a location! (Note that the on-campus locations are closed.)
14. Blush Lane Organic Market
Blush Lane Whyte Ave. carries an exceptional variety of organic and natural groceries, raw and vegan foods, gluten free products, vegetarian products, and farm-direct produce from the Blush Lane Organic Orchard and local farmers.
15. Crave Cupcakes
Treat yourself to something sweet while practicing physical distancing! Crave Cupcakes is owned by a family from High River, Alberta and they make delicious, baked-fresh-daily cupcakes. They are open for takeaway and delivery and even have bake-at-home kits. Be sure to order online and pre-pay as they are no longer accepting cash payments in store.