How to Support Local Right Now

After months of closure, a vast majority of Oxford's local businesses have begun reopening. This is wonderful news for the many people who run and staff these businesses, as well as for the residents and visitors of Oxford who enjoy the goods and services these businesses provide.

During the process of reopening, our businesses have also made sure to prioritize the health & safety of their patrons. Some of our businesses have even taken the Butler County pledge to keep their spaces clean and safe to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

If you want to welcome your favorite businesses back with open arms and support them as they open their doors again, there are a few ways to do so!

Order Carry-out or Delivery

A lot of restaurants in town have reopened both their indoor and outdoor seating. But if you don't feel comfortable sitting down for a meal, you can still order takeout or delivery. If you're unsure of a restaurant's hours or delivery options, give them a call and ask! You can also look at Oxford's online ordering and delivery service, Oxford to You, for a list of restaurants you can get delivered.

And this doesn't just apply to restaurants. Although You're Fired has once again opened its studio to the public (which now includes outdoor seating), Oxford's paint-your-own-pottery studio is still offering Pottery to Go as well. They give you the supplies, you paint at home, and bring your pottery back when it's done!

Buy Gift Cards

The City of Oxford has launched a gift card program to help give back to local businesses. Now you can support local by buying gift cards for a range of retail, restaurants, and more all on one convenient website.

Buying a gift card is a great way to remind our local shops that we're thinking of and supporting them. Even if you or the person you're buying the gift card for is not yet ready to shop in-person, a gift card is a kind of like a promise that these businesses will eventually see your smiling face again.

Follow Them Online

A lot of local businesses have some kind of online presence, whether it's a website or social media like Instagram or Facebook. Like and/or follow their pages in order to stay up to date on things like changing hours or even special deals. For example, Gaslight Brewhouse announced on Instagram that they're offering a KIDS EAT FREE deal until further notice.

Another nice reason to follow your local businesses online is that it gives you a platform to spread some love! Like and share their posts, recommend their pages to friends, and leave lots of comments of support. Something like that may seem small but right now it could really put a smile on someone's face, and that's important.

Attend Red Brick Fridays

Red Brick Fridays take place the last Friday of the month all summer long, with the next date scheduled for Friday, July 31st from 5 - 9 PM. Red Brick Fridays are an outdoor experience where local businesses set up on the red bricks of High Street (which will be closed to traffic). Pedestrians can walk right down the middle of the road, enjoying shopping and dining while more easily maintaining a physical distance from others in attendance.

Get a DORA Drink

Supporting our town's restaurants and bars is easier than ever now that Oxford's Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) is in place! Go to a participating business, ask for your drink to go in a DORA cup, and then go have a seat in the uptown park. You can also walk around the entire designated area; there will be signs posted telling you where the DORA ends. You can also see the parameters on the map on the city's site.

Reopen Dates

As of July 2nd, many retailers in Oxford have reopened, with safety recommendations in place such as wearing masks, minimizing touchpoints (try to only touch what you plan to buy), and maintaining a 6-foot distance from other customers. Some retailers also have a customer limit (example: no more than five inside at a time) that they have posted either on the outside of their doors or immediately inside. Take note of these precautions and please act accordingly to ensure both your safety and the safety of others.

And per Governor Dewine's orders, restaurants and bars have also been allowed to reopen with certain protections in place such as 6 feet between tables and mandatory masks for staff. If you are going out to eat, it's also recommended that you wear a mask until you are seated at your table and ready to eat. And keep in mind that standing or walking around with your food and drink is prohibited. Stay seated and enjoy your delicious meal at your table.

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For updates on how the City of Oxford is responding to COVID-19, click here.

For updates concerning travel through all of Butler County, click here.

Updated Thursday, July 2nd, 2:41 PM (EST)