The ‘Burg just doesn’t feel the same without its booming bar and restaurant scene. For now, many businesses have closed their doors to ensure the continued safety of their staff and customers. I for one, have felt a bit lost without the radiant cheer of the Love Food Central crew (dreaming of the day I can have a slice of key lime pie again), the exceptional music taste of the Black Crow staff, the sensational energy of the Bodega St. Pete staff, and the infinite wonder and creativity of bartenders like Vickie Moran at Ale and the Witch and Green Bench.

Their conversation, kindness, and knowledge are vital resources in such a tight knit community. They work hard to support and enliven this city on the daily, and now it’s our turn to support them through this difficult time. A brand new virtual tip jar has been launched. Bartenders, servers, baristas, and all who have lost work in the hospitality industry can be added to this running directory.

Here’s a message from the organizers:

“We’re inspired by other cities across the country that are looking for ways to support the staff of their favorite bars, restaurants, coffee shops, clubs, and salons. In an effort to show our appreciation and support, we’re compiling a list of St. Pete service industry workers and their Venmo, CashApp, and PayPal accounts to be shared widely.”

Big shout out to Adriana Generallo, Creative Director at Big Sea Design, who spearheaded this project and created a the site in lightning speed!

To support these incredible hospitality workers, just follow this link. Those in the industry affected by the pandemic can fill out a form online.

A Book for the Burg for Good

Ashby Green, the publisher of the Best of St. Pete book, is also working tirelessly to help those in need during this time.

“I couldn’t sit back and watch all of these small businesses suffer so I have decided to commit 100% of the contributions generated from the sale of the remaining [Best of St. Pete] books to small businesses in St. Pete,” Green told I Love the Burg. “A small group of us at Leadership St. Pete have already taken to social media and raised nearly $2k in a couple of days.”

The money raised will go towards supporting different small businesses in St. Petersburg, FL. After one day, the group was able to donate $250 in the form of a direct donation or purchase of gift cards to Green Bench Brewing, Beauty Bungalow, St. Pete Bagel Co., Kahwa, and Morean Arts Center. The group plans on making similar donations to several other St. Pete small businesses over the next few months.

“We are going to continue to pay it forward by gifting some of these goods and gift cards to the workers who are keeping our hospitals, grocery stores, and other essential businesses open,” Green said. “Others will be auctioned off for funds to donate to St. Pete Free Clinic.”

There may be a few giveaways to anyone who purchases a Best of St. Pete book too, so make sure to follow them on Instagram (@gashbygreen and @kristinekirstein)!

If you have any questions, please email ashby@gazelle.capital

How do I buy a book/make a donation?
Venmo – @GazelleCapital
Paypal – ashby@gazelle.capital
Cash/Check – please email us at ashby@gazelle.capital

There are a few different pick up locations around Pinellas County but the group is also happy to hold any book orders until things are back to normal.

To learn more about pick up locations, please email ashby@gazelle.capital or include your email address in your PayPal or Venmo purchase.

You can also nominate businesses!

Please tag a business you would like to nominate on one of their Instagram posts (@gashbygreen and @kristinekirstein)!