HELENA — Many small businesses and restaurants are feeling the brunt of the COVID-19 crisis, some are closing their doors, and others are finding ways to stay open and give back.
The Smokejumper Station inside the Helena Regional Airport has recently laid off 25 employees, due to restaurants being forced to close, and serve curbside only. Owner Paul Mabie is adapting to the times, and finding ways to give back to the community.
He has just launched "Buy a Meal, Give a Meal" partnership with the Friendship Center in Helena. If you purchase a Smokejumper family meal for four, the restaurant will donate the same family size meal to the Friendship Center.
Mabie says, "It is a great way for us to keep our kitchen busy and keep as many staff members as we can working, while simultaneously helping those who probably need a meal at this time in the community. We are going to do what we do well, which is cook good food at the Smokejumper and work with some local non-profits to let them do what they do well."
With the COVID-19 pandemic leaving so much uncertainty, Paul wants to challenge other small businesses and restaurants to find a way to adapt to the times and help each other.
He added, "Find ways to not be comfortable in their generosity, but almost be uncomfortable in their generosity, these are extraordinary times, and I think as a community we are going to have to come together and help people in ways that we haven't before."
If you would like to order from Smokejumper Station click here: https://www.smokejumperstation.com
