Historic District retailers adapt to lack of tourism

Many area restaurants are keeping their lights on by moving to curbside pick-up and delivery. So what are small businesses in Historic Folsom to do in times of social isolation, especially when it comes to specialty stores that appeal to today's missing common denominator - food traffic?It seems many are finding ways to keep their registers running in these uncertain times. Whether it's moving to online ordering, offering free pick-up and delivery or using this time to restock their stores, some of Folsom's business owners are finding ways to stay working."We are taking this time to restock the store as we have received over 80 cases of new items, from Easter, Halloween and Christmas items," said Jim Metzker, who owns Dorothea's Shoppe in Historic Folsom with his wife, Sherri. "While we are committed to abiding by the state mandate of social distancing, we remain positive that we will come through this stronger than ever."Metzker and his wife, Sherri, purchased Dorothea's back in 2014. The store opened back in 1965 and is known for selling everything from Christmas decorations to Fiestaware, cards, figurines and more. Everything in Dorothea's is a special item that you more than likely will not find at your average department store.While restaurants offer to-go menus and customers often patronize them when they crave "their usual," it's not easy for a specialty gift shop to showcase its unique merchandise when its audience has become unique it itself, as in socially distanced and not out window shopping.Metzker admits that business is down but it's not all entirely lost. He is continuing to communicate with the community just like he has always done, through the Folsom Telegraph, on social media, his website, by email, phone and even in person by making personal deliveries or by appointment only for loyal customers who must find that special collectible for their loved ones."We are working at the store daily and also offering free delivery in the greater Folsom area as well as VIP appointment shopping in some cases if needed," said Metzker. I have set several appointments, made many deliveries and just had a customer pick up dishes at the store yesterday after placing the order on the phone."Folsom's Historic District is known as an area destination and a hub of activity, where those who visit can shop, eat and drink all in one place. Dorothea's is one of those many destinations, along with its neighbors offering everything from craft candy to craft beer and just about every type of grub available. While the current COVID-19 crisis and shutdown has every business owner worried about their own future, it also has them helping one another."We are also committed to posting on social media the numerous restaurants in the historic district which are offering curbside pick up," Metzker said.Other retailers continue to be open as well, The Game Getaway is a specialty store offering unique board games one cannot find at the big box stores. Owner Ron Peterson is reportedly accepting online orders for curbside pick up. They urge customers to visit their Facebook for updates Hop Sings is keeping the doors open, serving community members with to-go orders of its well-known Chinese food while coffee shops and sweet shops continue to pour and bake for to-go orders only, such as Sutter Station Sweets, Clementine Coffee Roasters and others. Nightlife in the Historic District may be a bit darker than it has been with venues such as the famous Powerhouse Pub shuttered but there is plenty of activity cooking up for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Karen's Bakery continues to operate amid modifications that include supplying staple foods to those looking for them. (see related story).At Snooks Chocolate Factory, the machinery is still running as staff produces candy and treats for customers stuck in the house. After all, those who are binge watching their favorite shows should not be without chocolate, right?"We have updated our website to include our Easter items for in store pick-up. We also added a coupon code for any online order that will deduct 10 percent to encourage shopping," explained Renee Snook. "Our customers can also choose in store pick-up and we will even run it out to the car."Snooks is operating on limited hours and only allowing one person in the store at a time to pick up orders. While the orders continue to come in, it isn't near the normal amount of sales the family-owned operation is seeing. In addition to candy, they have ice cream, shakes and desserts. Those are items that obviously can't be shipped in the mail so they are a loss when it comes to income."We want to make sure folks follow the recommendations for social distancing. Our biggest fear is if this drags out. I can handle one month lost revenues but not several months," added Snook." We're motivated and humbled by the community outreach. We'll all get through this together. Folsom is united!"Marley and Moo's has been seeing community support for orders to go with the likes of the Sutter Street Taqueria, Pizzeria Classico and more. It may be the one time you can get food and alcohol to go as places like the famed Fat Rabbit, Samuel Hornes and others are packaging up your favorite brew to bring home."It's hard on everyone and hope we all make it out" added Metzker. "This makes us all realize the importance of supporting local through good and bad times. We are in this together and we will get through this together."Judy Collinsworth, executive director for the Folsom Historic District Merchants Association, is helping the many merchants stay visible in the community. Last week, she issued the following list of merchants, letting the community know who is and isn't open and how to keep in touch with them as needed. Here is a rundown of what to expect in the heart of Historic Folsom in these current times. These details were provided by the FHDA and subject to change. Please reach out to individual businesses directly for updates or visit www.historicfolsom.org for further updates to have your business added to the list. Alice's Ice Cream and Coffee– Temporarily closed until March 27. Call 916-467-7511 for more information. Clementine Coffee – Temporarily ClosedCitizen Vine –Online orders /Curbside pick up Regular hours. More details at www.CitizenVineFolsom.comD'Artagnan Winery- By appointment only until further notice. www.Dartagnanvineyardsandwinery.comEscape Folsom –Escape Folsom is now only open for To-Go Lunch Orders Wednesday to Friday 10-5pm. Orders can be called into 916-790-8740.Fat Rabbit Public House– as of March 18 open for take out only from noon to 8 p.m. daily.Filling Station –Temporarily closed. To go orders at: www.redbusbrew.com/gear?category=Beer+To+GoFolsom Hotel –Modified Hours – Now open daily 12 to 11 p.m. Curbside to go ordersGaslight Company –Temporarily Closed. Call 916-358-9447 for updates.Hacienda– Please check website for updates www.hacdelrio.comHop Sing– Take Out – Regular hours. 916-985-7309Karen's Bakery and Café– Now open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Saturday. With curbside service and delivery within five miles. Limited menu. No indoor dining. Check website for further updates at www.karensbakery.comPizzeria Classico-Open 12 to 8 p.m. for take-out only. www.pizzeriaclassico.comPowerhouse Pub and Scarlet's– Temporarily closed. www.powerhousepub.comQ'Bole –Take out – Regular hours 916-357-5242Reset Café –Temporarily closed until March 22. More information at www.resetfolsom.comSamuel Hornes Tavern –Take-out only beginning March 18 from 12 to 8 p.m. daily. www.samhornes.comSnooks Chocolate Factory– Open limited hours. Take-out only. Online orders at www.snookscandies.comSutter Station Sweets & Café -Temporary new hours: Monday through Saturday 7 to 2. Sunday 8 to 3. Take-out only.Sutter Street Steakhouse –Temporarily Closed. For updates and to purchase gift cards, visit www.sutterstreetsteakhouse.com Sutter Street Taqueria- Open for take out orders, regular hours but closing 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. 916-293-8952Willamette Wineworks –Temporarily closed to comply with California restrictions for wineries and bars. Offering wine sales/pick up service www.willimettewineworks.comAn Enchanted Closet by Three Peas and Me –Closing storefront temporarily. Shopping by appointment. Personalized service, curbside delivery. Check out daily story time on Facebook: An Enchanted Closet by Three Peas and Me.Anita Rochelle Boutique and Art Gallery –Temporarily closed until March 21. Book a private shopping appointment at 916-673-9134. Artfully Rooted – Temporarily closed. Online shopping, gift certs and scheduled curbside delivery available. Flat rate shipping to local area $5.00.www.artfullyrooted.comDorothea's Shoppe –Open daily with slight change to hours of operation. Free delivery to Folsom area. Now open from 10-3pm. Updates at www.dorotheas.comEmily's Antique's– Open Friday to Sunday – Maintaining safe practices and social distancing.Fire and Rain Gallery – New Hours Fri, Sat, Sun 11-5pm – Call the Gallery for updated info: 916-693-6725.Firehouse Boutique –Open for private shopping by appointment. Call 916-985-7486.Game Getaway –Offering online orders, shipping. Check link for updates: https://www.facebook.com/227000304161858/posts/1281769875351557/History Museum and Pioneer Village- Temporarily closed until further notice.Mikes Bikes –Open and offering hand sanitizer and safe distancing practices.My Trendy Trailer –Temporarily closed. Online orders with free shipping on orders of $25 or more. www.Mytrendytrailer.comTerra Cottage Shop– Regular Hours - offering shipping, free curbside pickup, and $5 local delivery. Shop website and social media platforms, especially Instagram @terra_cottagePainted Cork –Is cutting back on class size to maintain social distancing and Painted Cork remains open.Pixie Spirit –Temporarily closed. Please shop online at www.pixiespirit.comPlanet Earth Rising –Open for business, regular hours. Maintaining social distancing practices.Rainbow Bridge Jewelers –Temporarily Closed. Please shop online at rainbowbridgejewelers.com. Free shipping and free gift wrap!Romans Jewelers –Open regular hours – maintaining social distancing practices. Free jewelry cleaning and sanitizing. Online orders at romansjewelry.comSutter Street Cruisers –Closed to the public temporarily. www.sutterstreetcruisers.comSutter Street Pastels –Temporarily closed.Sutter Street Theatre –Classes, rehearsals and theatre performances are temporarily closed. More info at 916-353- 1001.Vintage Room –Temporarily closed and offering online sales at www.thevintageroom.com or poshmarkWe Olive –Maintaining social distancing and all safe practices. No sampling. Open regular hours, however. Call for updates at 916-933- 1650.