What small business do you want to make sure has a comeback this summer? We want to highlight it with a visit from Betty the Jeep and Kelly Ford in the Morning!
Nominate your business or a business you want to see come back and we could be coming together with you to share your story and help your business make it the best #comebacksummer ever.
--- Submit your nomination below ---
Business nominated so far ...
Absolute Yoga
1 Guilles Lane
Woodbury, NY
516-682-9642
When the pandemic hit, Leslie, the owner of Absolute Yoga, made sure that we all were still able to practice from home. She immediately offered Zoom classes so that we could all stay connected. What literally got me through were her daily emails. She emailed all of the members of the studio EVERY SINGLE DAY from mid-March through Labor Day of 2020 with words of wisdom to help our community make it through these challenging times. Now the studio is open- and she still sends an email once a week. It is wonderful to have a community of “yogis” like the one that Leslie has created at Absolute.
Alice's Kitchen
1108 E Ocean Avenue
Sea Bright, NJ
732-747-5999
Alice's Kitchen is a small town, local restaurant. She (Alice) has survived Superstorm Sandy & helped to keep Sea Bright fed & moving forward in our recovery. She is always happy to see her customers & greets them with a smile & a warm hello. She welcomes every customer as if they are family. She has even had the opportunity to welcome & feed local news crews during many storms, as Sea Bright is flood central! Alice donates food to all of Sea Bright's local organizations & is a trusted member of the Sea Bright community. Alice is a hard working survivor who makes THE BEST scones on the planet! Alice's Kitchen is a staple of Sea Bright that could use a boost & a pat on the back to thank her & her staff for keeping Sea Bright happy, healthy & very well fed!
B K SWEENEY'S
356 Broadway
Bethpage NY 11714
516-935-9597Actually, This is only one of several small Businesses in Bethpage that deserve a spotlight and visit from Betty and Kelly. John, who owns BK's is one of the backbones of this town. He and other business owners, Don from Campagne House, Teri from Century 21 and others organized Operation Hope that in conjunction with the Bethpage Fire Department, which ran 5 drive-in Food drives for the local Food Pantry. Business owners in Bethpage, Popei's, Broadway Deli, and others always made sure that anyone who needed to eat could, no matter their ability to pay. Parpardelle's gave discounts to everyone who donated food to feed the local hospitals and frontline workers during the worst of the pandemic. In addition, John feeds Veterans from the Veterans home every year. Bethpage is a little tiny town with a tremendous heart!
Barnacle Bills Restaurant
1First street Rumson NJ
737 747 8397
This is the local's home away from home. Growing up I worked here for 10 years. My mom has worked here for almost 40 years. I have been going since I was a baby and I take my baby now. They are the most friendly loving people. We want to keep them going strong for years to come. And as FF (Kelly Ford’s famous friends) number 88 I promise you will have a great dinner! Let me know I’ll make sure you won’t wait for a table!
Bazzerelli’s Restaurant
117 Moonachie Rd
Moonachie NJ
(201)64
14010Bazzarelli’s has been in business for over 40+ years. It is a family run restaurant that was started by Aldo Bazzarelli who can to America from Calabria Italy. In 2012 Superstorm Sandy came and totally wiped out the restaurant. Aldo, his wife Connie, and their 3 daughters (Rosie, Susie, and Denise) all put everything they had to get the restaurant back to its former glory. When Covid hit, the family continued to serve everyone through takeout. That’s why when the restaurant was closed in March of 2020 people knew something was wrong. Aldo, contracted covid and passed away in April of 2020. Then Aldo’s father-in-law passed away shortly after that. The family had been hit with the most devastating losses imaginable. Those two men were the light of the family. But the family wasn’t done! Denise, Rosie, and Susie decided that they were going to do everything they could to save the restaurant. Outdoor dining became one of the norms. They have even added a DJ (Rosie’s husband John) to the mix! They also added family dinner specials and now a Sunday brunch to the menu! This family is the true definition of RESILIENT! And as an added bonus, the food is FANTASTIC!!! This family could definitely use a #comebacksummer and a visit from Betty the jeep!!!
Bedford Street Diner
935 Bedford Street
Stamford Connecticut 06905
203-406-9985
I want to nominate my business that I own with my two siblings because it has been a rough pandemic!! We have an amazing staff that has stuck through us even when we could not pay them. Our customers are amazing they are slowly coming back! We have been there for 14 years and we really didn't know if we would still be there once the pandemic struck. But we are back and we are stronger and we are ready to get back to where we were!! 🍽️🍳🥓☕🥰
Bluebird by Bullet Boots
6 Broadway, Denville NJ 07834
973-650-6156
It all started with country music, a love for boots, and a mother and daughter duo. In 2018, my mother helped me follow my dreams and we partnered up to open a boutique called Bluebird by Bullet Boots (to make a long story short, we added “Bluebird" to our name when we moved to our new location!). It’s not just any typical boutique you would find here in New Jersey. After visiting Tennessee, we fell in love and gained appreciation of the southern atmosphere and fashion. It inspired us to bring something different to this state so we created a southern style boutique. We sell handmade leather western boots, southern inspired apparel and accessories. It has definitely been a tough journey with a new business and covid-19 did not help. We kept on reinventing ourselves to stay relevant and keep afloat. We are even on our third location because we refuse to give up. Last year, we created a mobile boutique so that we can go to outdoor events and visit our customers while stores were closed. We wanted to have a safe option for our customers and allow them to have the option to shop in an open-air environment. We relocated our storefront this past January and now we are located in beautiful downtown Denville. We are so thankful to still have our boutique and to bring country music, western fashion and most importantly, southern charm to New Jersey!
We would love to be featured because we want others to know that we exist and want people to support small businesses in retail. Amazon and other giant retail companies have hurt small businesses and it is hard to compete. Our boutique isn’t just another place to shop, it is an experience. We make sure that everyone is taken care of and we will go above and beyond to make them happy. Also, we want people to know that there is a place to get all their southern fashion needs and boots are not just sold and worn in the south. I always say, people are either going to love our store or hate it. But those who love it will always mean more than the negative remarks. We work day and night, 7 days a week to keep this store going and have given up a lot for this business. Unfortunately, even though we put in all our efforts, we feel like we are stuck and not moving forward. We hope that if we are chosen, it will bring us great exposure and business. This feature would honestly mean the world to us. Thank you for your consideration!
Broadway Pest Services
782 Amsterdam Ave
NY, NY
212-663-2100
Many people did not want their apartments serviced during the pandemic & even now are very hesitant to let technician’s in. They are living with mice, roaches, spiders and bedbugs. They need to know our technicians follow all safety protocols for themselves as well as customers
Characters Restaurant
94 Orange Turnpike
Sloatsburg, NY
845-753-5200
They stopped serving local patrons for a few months during the height of COVID so they could make and deliver daily meals to the Frontline workers at the Anthony Wayne COVID testing site. A selfless act to help the community!
Club Pilates Montvale, Paramus Park, Wyckoff
26 Farm View
Montvale, NJ
973-951-2074
Our trio of Club Pilates studios in Montvale, Paramus Park, and Wyckoff NJ were, like so many small businesses, significantly impacted by the pandemic. We worked tirelessly during our 4-month closure to ensure that we could reopen safely & successfully - installing state-of-the-art air purification systems, hiring SCA to treat our facility with ongoing Covid sanitizing products, implementing enhanced cleaning, social distancing, self-check, and daily health monitoring protocols, installing plexiglass barriers, and so on. Ultimately, we were able to hire back all of our employees and provide a safe and welcoming environment for our members to return to, but a visit from Kelly would boost our visibility and help us to continue recovering our losses. Now, more than ever, a regular fitness routine that improves mind and body is essential to our ongoing health and recovery, and with 65 classes per studio, taught by highly training Instructors and managed by caring & supportive staff, that's what we provide to our community 7 days per week.
Due 360
50 Maple Street
Summit, NJ
908-608-0222
Hello, I would like to submit our business for a few reasons. My husband and I have owned Due 360 for almost 7 years. My husband has been in the restaurant business for over 25 years and has been very successful with every restaurant he has owned. When he bought this place in Summit, he had to change the name and type of restaurant the previous owner had so he was basically starting from scratch. It took 3 years to become established in Summit under the new name and he worked 7 days a week without pay to make that happen. The business was finally doing well and the pandemic hit. He refused to close completely, so he worked with one other employee to offer take out and delivery. While he was trying to survive I was working in the hospital during the pandemic. I am a Respiratory Therapist, I work in the hospital a few days a month while working full-time for a medical device company which sells respiratory machines that were keeping patients off the ventilator during COVID. My territory is NYC, so from day one I was in every hospital in NY building machines and educating the hospital staff.
Finally last summer we were able to open again but not full capacity until a few months ago which really hurt us financially. Now that things are fully opened business is doing well but we have a lot of catching up to do. My husband is still working 12-14 hrs a day 6 days a week. It would mean so much to us if you could give us a shout out on the radio and come and visit. My husband also does a lot for the restaurant owners in Summit. I listen to you every morning on my way to work!
I hope we get to see you and Betty soon!
Escapology
101 Crawfords Corner Road,
Holmdel, NJ
7324907175
Escapology Holmdel opened the Thursday and the Covid lockdown started that Monday. Escapology Holmdel is located in the iconic Bell Works Building. Thankfully with restrictions lifting we want to see people come enjoy Escapology, get family and friends back together.
Especially For You Florist
39 West Main St, Freehold, NJ
732-431-0099
We are a 3rd generation Florist & Gift Shop serving Downtown Freehold and surrounding towns since 1976. I am 3rd generation, my parents own the business...we have soldiered on since Covid, continuing to bring smiles to people and help these brides rescheduling their weddings. We are involved in the Downtown Freehold events, bringing music and fun to the community...plus I listen to your station and am Famous Friend #72
Holiday Helpings
104 Evergreen St, Staten Island, NY (home-based business)
As the months went on in the pandemic, I started to get sad about how kids would be missing out on all of the holiday cheer. I created Holiday Helpings in late 2020 so kids could still experience holiday characters and celebrations even though many of the conventional visits such as mall displays and parties were either canceled or severely cut back. We began by bringing socially distanced Santa deliveries and videos to homes in Santa Island and continued this spring with Easter Bunny visits. We have since expanded to include offerings for Father's Day, birthdays, and graduations and will continue to create unique offerings for our clients. Thank you for the opportunity to highlight small businesses!
Island Soul Clothing and Gifts
1309 Boardwalk
Seaside Heights, NJ
732-250-6494
Owner Kim had much adversity in her life - divorce, homelessness, Hurricane Sandy, loss of her parents, and so much more. She finally got to a point where her dreams met her reality and she was able to open Island Soul. Getting established as a new business is hard enough, and then Covid. 2020 was only her third summer with the business, a very crucial year for new businesses. It was extremely difficult. I would love to see her and her business soar this year and for many years to come. She deserves it!!
Joey Macs
101 Frank E Rodgers Blvd N, Harrison, NJ
9736711028
This business has been serving the community for 6 years and lost a lot of business from the pandemic. They usually get a lot of foot traffic but people have been working from home. They are a family oriented business and I wanted to nominate them.
Meadowlands Gymnastics Academy
69 NJ-17 South
Hasbrouck Heights, NJ
973-246-8353
A family-oriented, driven business owner focused on bringing joy and activity to children thru the sport of gymnastics. Gymnastics is already kind of a dying sport so when Covid hit, it hit hard on the sport and relevant businesses. MGA has made it through Covid and continues to bring a great experience to children of all ages.
No Good Burger Joint
930 Atlantic Ave
Baldwin, NY 11510
516-442-5434
These people managed to stay open during the pandemic because their burgers are "THE BEST BURGERS ON LONG ISLAND!" One of my favorites in the "Drunken Vinny", its a burger on Texas toast, dripping with an amazing pink vodka sauce and a fried ravioli, I mean have you ever???? Ok so, I'll give ya one more.... The TBJ PBJ... 8ox burger topped with sweet and spicy PJ and J and bacon in between 2 slices of cinnamon toast, Lord help me!!!
No Limits Cafe
418 NJ-35, Red Bank, NJ
7322687471
This is a lunch cafe who hires people with intellectual disabilities. They also hold workshops to help train people with disabilities how to work in the restaurant industry and help them to find jobs when completed with the workshop. They also have a program to help feed seniors, the homeless, and other members of the community.
Paintandsomelove
2682 bancroft ave
9739511730
Because I would love to grow my business:)
Pallets & Pickets
376 Main St.
Center Moriches, NY
631-772-6596
My husband and I opened in Oct. 2019 and had to shutdown along with the rest of the world in March. We were fortunate enough to reopen in June. We sell handmade country/rustic decor. We are a small business with big dreams and we are so thankful to the people who support us.
Phil’s Pizza Syosset
265 East Jericho Turnpike
Syosset NY
516-364-6900
Anthony the owner has been struggling to keep up he has his wife and 4 sons working there. The pandemic has taken a great deal of his time and customers away. He needs more employees but he can’t get anyone to work they would rather stay home and collect unemployment. He is working 12-14 hour days just to make sure his customers are happy and he can continue to provide for his family. He is an amazing person he still donates to local fire Dept and the front line workers Dr.’s and Nurses at the hospital located right next door. He always greets you with a smile and will always goes out of his way for his customers. Having Kelly Ford show up would make his day a little brighter and possibly help get some more of his customers back into the restaurant.
Thank you for taking the time to read this
John Sparacio
(Long time listener)
Sidelines Bar & Grill
198 US 46 East
Fairfield NJ 07004
973-521-
7430This is my Sisters Bar &. GrillShe opened this place by herself when she was 25. She struggled through the pandemic like every other restaurant having to re-build her business and come up with new ideas. They have always done country nights. I thought it would be cool for you to go there for a country night or line dancing. When bars were finally allowed to open for outdoor dining she booked country band after county band to get people back in and it was a success! Still going strong with live country bands every Friday.
Signature Sounds Entertainment
2806 A Long Beach Road
Oceanside, NY 11572
5168059223
Owner DJ Ben E, a big Country fan, was hit hard by the pandemic when all parties, and therefore jobs, ceased to exist. He adapted as a Trivia/ game show host to keep afloat but as venues start to open it would be so nice to get his name out. He is an awesome guy and you'll feel like you have known him your whole life once you meet him!
Simple Country
1 E. Main Street
Mendham NJ
973-543-3331
Simple Country is the cutest “quaintest“ small town gift shop ever!!! Located in the center of our town in Mendham, NJ named when George Washington passed through stopping at the Black Horse Tavern which is across the street from the shop to have his pants stitched they said we’ll mend em’and Mendham was named! The shop sells Mendham signs and country decor and features local artists. I just love it my go to for gifts. Susan the shop owner is so sweet and keeps the shop decor fresh and new. ❤️❤️❤️
Square Luggage
19 Washington Street
Morristown, NJ
973-539-1631
The definition of a business is putting the customer first and that is exactly what Square Luggage does. Each of the owners/employees are very knowledgeable and helpful when you enter their store. The store provides a large assortment of products such as luggage, wallets, travel needs, and personal items as well as services like repairing goods such as shoes, purses, luggage, etc. That is why I feel Square Luggage should be featured.
Whenever I needed a hostess gift or birthday gift, this is my go-to because they have something for everyone. I've gotten my shoes repaired there, too! Small businesses like this one was rare because you just don't find customer service like they have.
Awesome store, great customer service, and the best repairs anywhere!! Have purchased all of my luggage there! Very pleased 😊👍👏👏👏👏
Square Luggage has been a fixture in the Morristown community for over 76 years. They sell luggage, leather goods, brief cases, travel accessories and gift. Beyond that, they operate a full service on-site shoe and luggage repair center. Square Luggage is a family owned and operated business and they truly love what they do. They are one of only a few repair centers left. It’s amazing what they can fix and they deserve to be recognized!
This is a family owned store in business for over 75 years in down down Morristown N.J. They have been a fixture in the community.They sell luggage and travel accorded and gifts , they have a full service repair shop , and fix almost anything . Honest , friendly and always helping others out .
Family owned business. I support family owned businesses. They are always helpful,polite, great costumer service and never force you to buy anything and priced fair.
Suite Beauty By Ilona
124 West 24th Street
Suite 3
NY, NY
1 (518) 813-5580
My sister started Suite Beauty as a one woman show hair salon. She works hard to make sure you have a great and Covid safe experience and your hair looks fabulous and you feel fabulous. Since Covid hit, business has been slower and since it’s just her, she could use the extra help getting more clients! She deserves it and others deserve to get their hair pampered by her! I may be biased but shes truly the best :)
SVS Fine Jewelry
3323 Long Beach Road
516-766-2614
It’s been a tough year financially!
As the bookkeeper, I’d love to see this company bounce back.
Taylor Sam`s
1643 Rt 88
Brick, NJ
732-458-7267
This is an awesome family-run business, all the food is homemade. They stayed open throughout the pandemic, mostly take out, but the most special thing they did was make meals for the first responders, nurses, and anyone out there working the front lines. You are a stranger on your first visit after that you are treated like family. Also while there try one of Karah`s awesome pastries, famously know as Floofy Muffins.
Tekie Geek
4218 Amboy Rd
Staten Island, NY
347-830-7322
Tekie Geek is the IT Superheroes helping businesses to protect their organizations from cyberattacks and business threatening downtime. We are asking for your help to get our Troubleshoot Signal out there so more businesses know how to get in touch with the heroes before the villains go after their business.
The Tracks Deli
65 Vernon Crossing Rd
Vernon NJ
(973)764-2700
They are extra special. When we went into quarantine there was concern for the towns most vulnerable. They provided meals and volunteers delivered them safely so our seniors would not go hungry. They continued providing meals for more than a year all at no charge. All the while trying to stay in business . They are truly our hometown Deli
Tito's Mexican Street Eats
11 Outwater Lane
Garfield, NJ 07026
862-238-8282
Their food is AMAZING!!!! They have a golden avocado taco that is out of this world amazing. Everything is so fresh and portions are great. Their chips with this seasoning on it are wonderful and they have homemade salsas that are super flavorful. I know they opened during the pandemic and are still there, but I have been told that it has been tough on them. If you try their food, you will know what I am talking about.
We also wanted to share a little about our business. We use the bold and robust flavors of Mexican Street foods. Everything is fresh, flavorful, and handmade; in fact, we don’t even have a freezer because of the scratch kitchen. Everything comes in healthy portion sizes and is meant to be eaten street style. We might be a smaller establishment but definitely sport a fun vibe with one of a kind mural the entire length of the restaurant. We developed the menu to cater to a broad range of needs, from straight-up carnivores to vegetarians, vegans, and even those with gluten intolerances. Our salsas are all homemade and are super flavorful.
Torna a Sorrento Restaurant
52 Westfield Ave, Elizabeth, NJ 07208
(908) 351-4060
Trend Coffee and Tea House
411 Bloomfield Ave.
Montclair NJ, 07042
973-744-1333
Trend is AMAZING! The owner Dimitry runs regular open mics allowing anyone from children to adults to perform in a kind and supportive environment. My Daughter has been playing/singing there since she was 12 (now 18). He actively supports both local artists and musicians including a local non profit called Jazz House Kids (they would play regularly precovid) The coffee, homemade desserts and sandwiches are delicious. This place is truly an asset and friendly gathering place in the community unlike any other. Where else can you go relax, chill and listen to the local talent with some tasty desserts and coffee. Even BYOB if you like. It would be heart breaking to see this place lost, they took a huge financial hit as did so many small businesses. Kelly, Shannon will play you some Momma's Broken Heart on her uke. Bring some Bourbon and come visit the coolest Coffee shop around. We love you More Kelly Ford!!! Let's show Trend some Love too!!!!!
TWK Community Market Kitchen and Bar
486 Piermont Ave
Piermont, NY
845-792-3254
This is a family run business. They have a great following, but could use more exposure. Two years ago their youngest son received a kidney from his brother. It's all about family to them!
VICKI'S JOYFUL CREATIONS and PAR
TY PLANNERS
273 Avenue C
Bayonne
201-978-0861Vicki's Joyful Creations is a small woman-owned business. Vicki is a Marine Spouse and Air Force mom times 3 and Joy is a mom of 1 and puts the joy in everyone's life. They are a small mommy and me boutique that is all about family and community. They just celebrated their 2 year anniversary in business. Throughout the pandemic, they were able to survive through online sales, but just barely stayed afloat. Regardless of whatever was going on they remained positive and were always looking for a way to help someone in need, whether it was donating masks for children and parents when they were hard to find, doing fundraising events, or food drives for those out of work or less fortunate. There was a spree of fires in the town of Bayonne and they stepped up donating clothes and supplies to families who lost everything. They are selfless and they never gave up hope that it would get better. We heard many times that just by them going online to do a live sale, would make others feel good. Their positive actions were contagious and just seeing their smiling faces and silly attitudes gave their customers, some release from the crazy world that was going on around them. You need to come check out their store and meet them in person to get the full effect. Everyone is greeted with a smile and treated as if they are a family member.
Your CBD Store Monmouth Beach
36 Beach Road Suite 6, Monmouth Beach, NJ
7324033630
This Jersey shore small business was just starting to take off when the pandemic hit last March. Elena opened this business by herself at the age of 56 because she wanted to help others that are in pain or struggling with anxiety. She is constantly sitting with clients and listening to their problems looking for a way to help them. She is open 6 days a week and works all of those days and hours alone. Elena is constantly giving out samples, giving discounts, staying open late to wait for clients, and offering free shipping or home delivery to her clients all because she wants to help others. After a tough year and a half it is time for her to have an amazing #comebacksummer at the jersey shore. A visit from Betty the Jeep would truly mean the world to Elena and I know she would be over the moon!