In spite of the busy schedules we face each morning, it’s comforting to know that some businesses still find time to help others in need. Maybe they do that extra something to help earn respect from their customers, or perhaps they help support other local vendors by using their products. Many reach out to charities or local schools to show they care. Here are some of these businesses which find time to give back to their community.
Tasteful Times: A Gourmet Food Store
Tasteful Times, located at 11677 Olio Road on the northeast corner of 116th Street and Olio Road, sells high-quality gourmet food items and specialty wines. Although most of the food products are local, the wines come from all around the world. Some of these local products include Smoking Goose Meats, Best Chocolate in Town, Salt Sisters, Crazy Charlie Salsa, Riehle’s Select Popcorn, Local Folks Foods, Hoosier Momma and Traders Point Creamery meats.
For the past three years, this shop has helped support the Alzheimer’s Association of Indianapolis with a wine dinner that is held the week before the Walk to End Alzheimer’s event downtown. “We’re just a small, family-owned business,” says Jonathon Sadler, co-owner of Tasteful Times. “We love bringing people together around food and wine while giving back at the same time.” Besides donating food to the food pantry, Tasteful Times also offers gifts two to three times a month for silent auctions supporting everything from autism to cystic fibrosis. In addition, their staff helps customers – especially moms with young children – to their cars. The staff prides themselves on getting to know their customers and providing the best service possible.
“Our philosophy is to shop local, drink global, in our neighborhood market,” says Jonathon. Call Jonathon at 317-436-8226, if you would like to ask if Tasteful Times has a specific item.
Yogi has two stores. One is located at 12660 East 116th Street in the same plaza as Sherwin Williams. The other is at 11803 Allisonville Road in the same plaza as Subway and Domino’s. Yogi offers ten different flavors of self-serve frozen yogurt and a vast array of delicious toppings. Customers are happy to decorate their base of frozen yogurt with their choice of toppings.
Yogi has offered a supply of gift cards to baskets that help support the Indiana School for the Deaf and New Britton Elementary School. Every February, an annual carnival is held called the “Bulldog Blast” where prize packages are awarded. “We highly support the HSE school system by donating to various fund-raising activities to help with the educational needs of our future,” says Louis Dabson, owner of Yogi.
He continues, “Here at Yogi, we believe it’s all about you. For just 39 cents an ounce, you can create your own Yogi frozen yogurt. Just grab a cup, fill with yogurt, add toppings, and weigh it. Louis says, “Regardless of whether people like ice-creamy treats or not, frozen yogurt is a sensible alternative to ice cream. It’s only 25 calories per ounce and full of active cultures and probiotics that help maintain a healthy body.”
Sunrise Café
Sunrise Café, located at 9767 East 116th Street in the Kroger plaza off Cumberland Road, offers both breakfast and lunch food. This mom-and-pop establishment specializes in homemade breads, sauces, and strawberry jam. Its customers appreciate everything from the Eggs Benedict made from scratch to the down-home treatment they receive from the staff such as walking the elderly out to their cars to make sure they get into them safely.
“Everybody just chips in because we care about the community,” says Scott Horsfield, owner of Sunrise Café. “We give countless donations and gift cards to the police, firefighters, churches, and schools.”
They serve breakfast and lunch all the time during their business hours from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., seven days a weekA and offer gluten free items. Although Scott is the owner, he does all the cooking. You won’t see him walking around in a tie. Rather, he is amid the steam and collaboration of the kitchen crew. Lastly, his wife, Jennifer, completes the team as she runs the front of the restaurant.
Murphy’s PubHouse is located at 11650 Olio Road in the Kroger plaza. This is a family-friendly neighborhood sports bar and grill atmosphere. Craig Stonebraker, owner of Murphy’s Steakhouse, (Fall Creek and Keystone, near the Fairgrounds) has joined forces with his brother, Ryan, to create this popular pub that feels as inviting as any Irish tavern, except that it caters to everyone and kids are always welcome.
Talking with Ryan, I quickly saw the main focus for Murphy’s PubHouse donations is for the Indiana Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. After having donated gift cards to silent auctions and participating in the Americana Bank Chili Cook-Off, they are planning to sponsor the National MS Society in the MS Walk to be held on April 27 (www.walkmsindiana.org).
“One of my best friends from high school was diagnosed with MS a few years ago,” said Ryan. “When it came to giving back to the community, I knew I wanted to pick something close to home.” Ryan remembers his friend, Michele, as a healthy, athletic girl who was such a great person to be around. A few years ago, she was diagnosed with MS which was a shock to everyone who knows her.
“Michele is a huge Dave Matthews fan. She offered to let me have some of her Dave Matthews paraphernalia to put up on the walls here at Murphy’s PubHouse. I knew then that I would willingly vow to always help her out by supporting MS whenever I can.”
Diva Nails
Diva Nails is located at 11434 Olio Road, at the corner of 116th Street and Olio Road behind Walgreens next to El Rodeo. This spa-like haven specializes in “pink and white” manicures and body waxing. Diva Nails gives back to the community by providing discounts to all students in K-12 no matter what school they attend as long as they show their student I.D. Planning a beach vacation for spring break? She can take care of all your needs from bikini waxing to eyebrow shaping.
Kelly Nguyen, owner of Diva Nails and Spa, is proud to offer a safe environment with a new ventilation system which aerates the shop of any smell of chemicals. In addition, the equipment is sanitized for every customer. The front area features a comfortable orange couch upon which clients may relax. The rear of the spa area is for pedicures where patrons can soak in tranquility and enjoy soft music.
“We provide free designs for kids, and we like to spoil them as if they are our own,” says Kelly. “We always have juice boxes, water, soft drinks, and candy for everyone.” Diva Nails welcomes any type group for parties such as weddings and birthdays. Customers are welcome to bring in their own cake or other foods, and Diva Nails will provide the drinks.
