Downtown Santa Ana Businesses Seek to Stay Open and Serve You

UPDATE MAY 24, 2020 Late Stage 2 businesses including grocery stores, restaurants (dine-in), retail, health services, pharmacies, banks and gas stations are now open.

While downtown businesses are paying close attention to recent Coronavirus regulations and health precautions and the Governor's "Stay-at-Home" order, essential businesses are hoping to stay open and continue to serve you.  Whether that's through grab-and go, delivery or even innovative online delivery of the services they provide downtown.

​Lola Gaspar is offering a care package of meat, tortillas, sauce and sides that you can order by calling (714) 972-1172. On their Instagram, they said, "As this situation evolves, we beleive it is our duty to continue to serve our community by any means we can." La Vegana Mexicana posted on social media a picture of them making vegan tamales with the caption, "Thank you to everyone who has supported our small business, family, and staff during this difficult time. We can’t wait to open our doors again! Until then, call 949-988-4268 or DM to order. Keep tuned for tomorrow's menu."

Many downtown restaurants are offering delivery on popular food websites like GrubHub, Postmates, Uber Eats and DoorDash. Mimi Mar, owner of The Pizza Press - Santa Ana, who told us about extensive sanitation precautions they are taking and that, "we are encouraging customers to order online and or call in their orders and then come and pick up their food." Just down the road on 4th Street, Taquerias Guadalajares is offering curbside pick-up in addition to online delivery. Around the corner, Mix Mix Kitchen and Bar is offering curbside pickup and 10% off on their exquisite menu when you call 714-836-5158 to place your order between 5pm - 8:30pm. Chapter One: the modern local is offering 50% off beer, wine & cocktails to go and big bonuses for gift card purchases.

Need fresh fruit, vegetables, eggs, or artisan bread? Visit the Downtown Santa Ana Farmer’s Market every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the corner of 3rd and Bush streets. Social distancing is maintained and encouraged while at the Farmers Market. Online orders are also available with a wide variety of fresh produce.
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Northgate Gonzalez Market is open its first hour so seniors can shop in a safe enviornment. Downtown has many seniors and recently downtown restaurants like Kebab Place have reached out to see how they can offer meals to seniors. Community members are encouraged to connect with Tish Leon if you have resources for local seniors.

Some local businesses are exploring a local delivery co-op lead by the delivery team at Furr Friends Pet Store, Omar Dominguez along with potential partners including Claudia Gonzales, Chunk-N-Chip.

Elite Fitness Gym will be teaching online physical training to prevent you from sititng on your couch and vegitating.

In addition to Elite Fitness' online workouts, The Frida Cinema is working on launching free streaming film and art house content and events like The Witch Walk, Gente Night Market and DTSA First Saturday Artwalk will be held digitally.

Gus' Fried Chicken is offering free meals for students at their Downtown Santa Ana location with no purchase necessary.

According to Larry Kaplan, owner of the Downtown McDonald's: "McDonald's has local and national teams tracking the coronavirus with the #1 priority being the health and safety of employees and guests. We have made it a point to educate our people on best practices inside the restaurants and for personal hygiene."

While The Copper Door needed to be shut down as part of the government order to close bars, they quickly pivoted to retain staff by doing a deep clean and keeping spirits high.​ They also are organizing online DJ events under their N360 Live label.

You can see a list of all business types considered essential businesses ready to serve you via the OC Health Department's most recent order. Check our DTSA social media and your favorite downtown businesses for updates on who's open and what they're offering.

Story by Ryan Smolar
Photos from downtown business Intagram pages