WILLIAMSBURG — After seeing many posts about small businesses closing in Williamsburg, local couple Pete and Trisha Spadaro stepped up to help, and BlitzMyBiz was born.
BlitzMyBiz is a community-driven effort to support and energize local businesses. The group hosts “Blitzes” — targeted events in which a wave of customers visit a local restaurant or small business on a specific day or time to eat, shop and show their support.
According to Pete, the events are beneficial to both the shopper and the establishment.
“For supporters (Blitzers), events are an easy way to support local spots they love, or discover new ones, by simply joining the Blitz List and showing up when we schedule the next Blitz. For business owners, it’s a low-risk way to fill seats, attract new customers, and boost their business,” Pete shared.
Blitzers can be notified of future events by signing up for the Blitz List.
Ahead of a Blitz, the Spadaro’s work with the establishment to find a day and time for the event and ensure that businesses have the staffing and inventory to handle a large influx of customers.
There is no charge for the business to utilize BlitzMyBiz. Interested business owners can contact BlitzMyBiz through its website.
“This really is about supporting local businesses, and it wouldn’t be about that if we were taking money from their profits to do this,” Pete explained. “Everything is free for them, all we do is just make sure that it’s okay with them and provide them a headcount.”
The first Blitz is scheduled for Dec. 17 from 4-9 p.m. at Honeybutter’s Kitchen in Norge. Those who sign up to be Blitzers for the event will receive 10% off dinner and happy hour specials will be available from 4-6 p.m. Seating is limited and reservations through Blitz’s website are required to receive the 10% discount.
As the company grows, Pete and Trisha are hopeful to add more incentives and fun twists to future Blitzes, including a Blitz Bingo for visiting a set number of establishments in a month.
“If it catches on here in Hampton Roads, I think it could catch on in other cities across the country,” Pete said.
More information on BlitzMyBiz can be found on blitzmybiz.com.