Staten Island Chamber Partners with NYC Small Business Services for Mask Giveaway

On Thursday, June 11, The Staten Island Chamber of Commerce joined the New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS) for a mask giveaway and neighborhood walkthrough.

To kick off the event, neighborhood business owners, entrepreneurs, Chamber staff, representatives from the office of Council Member Debi Rose, and SBS representatives gathered at Flagship Brewery’s taproom, a hotspot in Downtown Staten Island. Chamber President & CEO Linda Baran and SBS Commissioner Jonnel Doris jointly addressed the crowd, discussing issues the community has faced during the COVID-19 crisis.

“Businesses need our help, now more than ever,” Baran stated. “We thank the New York City Department of Small Business Services for their partnership as we distribute more than 60,000 face masks to Staten Island businesses. We hope this will be helpful as you enter Phase One.”

Turning to Baran, SBS Commissioner Jonnel Doris stated, “you have a great leader here. Linda has been a tremendous voice for the Staten Island Community during our discussions and on the Mayor’s COVID-19 Taskforce. Looking forward, we’re focused on getting businesses safely reopened as soon as possible.”

A hot topic of discussion was when - and how - foodservice businesses would be able to reopen. Commissioner Doris confidently assured the group that guidance, especially relating to outdoor dining, would be coming soon.

Following the address, free boxes of masks were provided for the staffs of Flagship Brewery, Sam Angiuli (co-owner of the brewery as well as Minthorne Street), and neighboring businesses O’Henry’s Publick House and Daddy O’s BBQ & Sports Bar.

After sampling Flagship’s sold-out collaboration with Staten Island legend Ralph’s Ices, the group departed to tour O’Henry’s Publick House and Daddy O’s BBQ & Sports Bar. At O’Henry’s, Commissioner Doris joined owners Bobby Digi and Lisa McFarland in admiring the space’s expansive bar, new furniture, and Digi’s collection of vintage record players. At Daddy O’s, the group admired the aroma of slow-cooked meats drifting from the kitchen.

The tour concluded as they visited more businesses in Downtown Staten Island, including Bay Street Optical Pavilion, Lakruwana Restaurant, and Taverna Pizzeria. At each of the stops, free masks were provided for their staffs.

In total, more than 2,000 free masks were distributed.