When the COVID-19 pandemic forced business closures, it broke the connection between the residents and local businesses. Woody’s Classic Grill owner, Mike Miller, saw the opportunity to partner with City News Group and their program that was created to inform the community that their local businesses are still open.
In May, just two months after the pandemic hit, City News Group worked closely with Woody’s Classic Grill and rolled out the Click and Win sweepstakes program, which had the goal to prevent small business closures and to also bring some joy and light during an unprecedented time. Woody’s Classic Grill was the first local business to participate in the program and encouraged others to join in order to let the community know that their local businesses are still here and still open.
“This program is awesome because it rewards not only the people coming to the website, it rewards the businesses, “Miller said. “It’s a win-win situation for everybody.”
With the partnership of Woody’s Classic Grill and other local businesses, the program was able to giveaway nearly 100 prizes to local residents throughout the year and a $1,000 grand prize on December 3rd.
The local residents that won Woody’s gift cards were so excited because most of them said Woody’s was their favorite local spot and upon receiving their prize, some could hardly wait to visit the restaurant and place their orders. The owner was thrilled and a bright smile came to his face when he learned many of his frequent customers had entered and won prizes.
Woody’s Classic Grill and owner Mike Miller was not only able to bring some light and joy to local residents through the program but also contributed to the #ShopLocal movement during the COVID pandemic. By partnering, they were able to get the word out to residents that they were still open, that they are taking new safety precautions to keep everyone safe and say thank you to the community by giving back.
Throughout the year, Miller and Woody’s Classic Grill also gave back to the community by preparing and delivering food to local seniors who were unable to safely leave their homes, donating food and other items for the assisted living home residents and were always willing to lend a helping hand to local organizations.
Since Woody’s Classic Grill’s opening in 2018, the restaurant has become a local hub and community center that has brought families from all over the Inland Empire together. The owner and staff have enjoyed getting to know the residents and now Woody’s can be compared to a modern day Cheers, because any guest that goes to Woody’s will be greeted with a smile and fully enjoy the friendliness of the employees and eventually everyone will know your name.
From the restaurant’s inception, Miller emphasized that “we build our business one guest at a time” and in return it creates a strong foundation for their business. “If we can get one guest to come in and they love our food, our service, like the value of our food, then they’ll go out and tell people.” By partnering with City News Group and being instrumental in the development of this program, Woody’s Classic Grill helped keep local businesses open and bring joy to local residents.
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