Wilmette Business Nick's Neighborhood Bar & Grill Needs Your Help

The new coronavirus has changed life for all of us. Local businesses have taken a huge economic hit, but communities are finding creative ways to support the establishments they know and love.

In an effort to help local businesses in our communities stay connected and succeed, Patch will be shining a light on some of them through a series of Q&A articles during this time.

Nick's Neighborhood Bar & Grill is one of the businesses in town facing struggles during the coronavirus. You can lend your support by reading more about the company, below, and by contacting them here.

Tell us about your business and its history in your town.

Nick's Neighborhood Bar & Grill is a local restaurant that opened in June 2013 when nine local investor families came together to open a "neighborhood joint." At Nick's, you are welcomed like family and are sure to run into friends and friendly faces. Known for great food, a fun bar scene and excellent service, Nick's has become a "go-to" for North Shore residents.

How has the new coronavirus impacted your business and its employees?

Unfortunately, we had to lay off nearly 30 employees almost immediately, which was heartbreaking. We have been able to continue with five employees and have shifted focus to carryout and delivery from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. every day. Needless to say, this pandemic has completely altered the way we do business.

How can local customers support you now and in the future?

Carryout and delivery orders are beyond helpful! We have also been providing numerous meals for local hospitals, and the community has been very generous about purchasing those meals. We are starting an outreach to provide meals for local fire stations and police stations if people are interested. You can also purchase gift cards for future use.

Do you have any words of encouragement for your community?

We realize this is an incredibly difficult and challenging time for everyone right now, and yet we remain so encouraged by the small and large acts of kindness we see every day. We need to see the positive side of everything right now and focus on that versus the negative parts. We need to keep celebrating the small victories and support one another. We will get through this, and hopefully when we are on the other side, we have a new appreciation for the little things we once took for granted — like meeting friends for a cocktail or going out on a date night to a favorite restaurant.

Are you offering any special services, promotions or hours during this time?

Half price bottles of wine, mix-and-match domestic and import six packs of beer are available with your carryout orders.

Are there any other outstanding businesses in town you think deserve some community support?

Share and Shack in Wilmette are doing a great job of creating care packages, birthday treats for people and are using 25 percent of online sales to purchase meals at local restaurants for hospitals.

Do you own a local business in need of a feature on Patch? Fill out the questions in this form for consideration. Or, check out Patch's full list of resources for small businesses during the coronavirus crisis.

Thank you, and stay safe!