Bingo! Maple Grove Restaurants Resort to Games to Help Recover
As reported earlier by CCX News, a few Maple Grove businesses have fallen victim to the COVID-19 pandemic. At least two restaurants closed their doors since the pandemic started: Cafe Donuts and Ice Cream and Patrick’s Bakery and Café. But city officials say they are optimistic businesses will rebound.
“For restaurants themselves, it’s going to take a couple of months for it to all shake out, but we’ve been pleasantly surprised with the limited number to this point,” said Brett Angell, Maple Grove’s economic development manager.
Maple Grove Grassroots Effort Starts To Support Businesses
Maple Grove resident started Eat Local Bingo Maple Grove.
Local shops and restaurants are getting community support to survive. Resident Shari McGuire came up with an idea to bring people through the door. She started “Eat Local Bingo-Maple Grove.”
“I have so many friends even that have small businesses, and I know they’re just drowning right now,” said McGuire, who has lived in the city for 18 years and didn’t want to see establishments suffer.
Here’s how the bingo game works: customers make at least $10 purchases through July 18 from businesses listed on the bingo card. Twenty companies are participating. They include Rock Elm Tavern, Cold Stone Creamery, Daily Dose Café and Great Harvest Bread Company. You get a bingo when you mark a row, column, or diagonal on the card. For each bingo, customers will get one entry for $200 worth of gift cards at local shops. The winner will be announced July 29. Customers are encourage to save their receipts in case they win.
Local officials say the bingo card is a win-win for customers and businesses struggling to get back on their feet.
