COVID-19 Update

The response to the coronavirus outbreak is a rapidly changing situation that has already begun to have an impact on the small business community. Believe in Bristol will closely watch for updated recommendations and restrictions regarding businesses at the federal, state, and local levels.

You can support local businesses from home! We recognize and respect that many people are still not comfortable with or able to go out in public. Click Here for a list of downtown businesses that offer gift certificates (which can be purchased now and used later). Below you will find online shopping, and other special services such as delivery and curbside pickup. Note that this list will be updated as new information becomes available.

**Bristol, Tennessee Food and Beverage Outdoor Dining Grant Now Available**
Believe in Bristol understands the economic burdens COVID-19 has placed on small businesses in our community. With indoor dining activity on the decline during the pandemic, our organization has had the opportunity to explore the limited options food and beverage businesses in our community have to develop outdoor dining and carry-out service, as a means of remaining viable during the pandemic. With the colder months of winter among us, strategies have been sought to assist food and beverage businesses by providing public spaces and appropriate cold weather equipment to assist in creating outdoor dining opportunities.

Believe in Bristol seeks to provide financial support to local food and beverage businesses impacted by the public health emergency and reimburse the costs of business adaptation caused by required restrictions and health department guidelines. We are offering one-time mini grants of up to $5,000 per business to help Bristol, Tennessee food and beverage businesses with costs to expand outdoor dining in 2021.

The grant program shall benefit restaurants and other food and beverage businesses that have been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic by providing funds to obtain equipment necessary for them to continue doing business during the pandemic. This program intends to support the economic sustainability of Bristol, Tennessee locally owned restaurants and preserve jobs. TO ACCESS MORE INFORMATION AND APPLICATION, CLICK HERE.

Emergency Loan Funds available to downtown businesses through the Downtown Bristol Redevelopment Loan Fund and People, Incorporated. $5000 in the form of a 0% interest, no payments for 6 months term loan. Send Application, along with 2 years tax returns, to Shane Simmons and/or Jeremy Repass with People, Incorporated.

Business Updates:

The Believe in Bristol office is currently operating on appointment only visitation. Please contact info@believeinbristol.org or call 423-573-2201 if you need assistance or would like to make an appointment. All visitors will be required to wear a mask at all times and subject to a temperature check upon arrival.

Bristol Public Library — The Bristol Public Library is offering curbside pickup of materials put on hold. Between the hours of 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday, patrons will be able to pick up holds they have placed using the online catalog. The Bristol Public Library — main library location is CLOSED to the public. The library will continue to offer curbside pick-up and online services. These services will be available Monday through Saturday between the hours of 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM at the Main Branch, and Monday through Friday 10:00-4:00 at the Avoca branch. Please visit their website at bristol-library.org for complete information about reopening policies and procedures.

Bristol, Tennessee — All City offices, including those in City Hall and the Municipal Annex, have reopened to the public. All visitors to city buildings will be subject to a health screening, which includes a temperature scan and questions related to potential COVID-19 exposure or symptoms. Pursuant to Sullivan County Executive Order 2, visitors are required to wear a face mask when entering city buildings, and they will be available for individuals who do not have their own. Members of the public are encouraged to continue utilizing electronic or other alternate methods of conducting business with the city whenever possible. For additional information or assistance with these and other services provided by the City, please call (423) 989-5500. Concerns and requests for help also can be submitted online after regular business hours using the Request Tracker button on the City’s web page at www.bristoltn.org. The City will continue to provide up-to-date information on its website at www.bristoltn.org/covid19.

Bristol, Virginia City Hall and other city buildings remain closed to the public at this time. All business will be facilitate by telephone and email, or an appointment will be made if an in-person visit is required. A full directory of city department contact information is available on our website at https://www.bristolva.org/directory.aspx, or by calling (276) 645-7300. For more information, please contact citymanager@bristolva.org or 276-645-7333.

Arts & Entertainment Updates:

Birthplace of Country Music Museum — REOPENED and following normal hours of operation. To learn more about some of the new procedures in place for the safety of BCMM guests and staff click HERE.

Bristol Academy of Music — Piano, Guitar, Ukulele lessons have moved back to in-person in the studio. The option to maintain your lessons online is still available. Unfortunately, due to the nature of singing and the increased risk of infecting/infection we have to keep our voice lessons online for the summer. This decision has been made based on the most current research regarding singers. Full list of guidelines in place can be found here.

Bristol Ballet — In studio and online options for students, with all safety mandates and protocols being observed to keep our dancers and staff protected. Our most exciting news is that we’re going to bring The Nutcracker to the screen at the Moonlite Drive In! Through an agreement with Barter Theatre, we have secured December 13 at 6:30pm for people to watch this beloved holiday classic from the safety of their cars. Since theaters are not yet open for large public performances like The Nutcracker, this option enables us to keep the tradition alive and also give our dancers goals and performance opportunities. Video from last year will be combined with newly filmed sections that the dancers have worked on this season, and edited together for a fun cinematic event. Recording locations will be at the Paramount Center for the Arts and some outdoor venues around the area. Opportunities for sponsors and donors are available and will be much appreciated. Losses from revenues over the last 6 months is significant, as it is with many businesses. Please contact us at info@bristolballet.org if you would like to discuss how your donation or sponsorship can be best used. Tickets for The Nutcracker are on sale now — click here to purchase. Information about classes can be found at www.bristolballet.org.

Champion Striking and Fitness — Online training is on the website as well as the daily workout which is also available on the member app.

Japan Karate-Do Organization — In-person and zoom classes available! Gift certificates are available by appointment.

Paramount Bristol — In the middle of their best season ever, the Paramount had to shut their doors resulting in a total loss of revenue. The Paramount will reopen as soon as it possibly can, but have taken a huge financial hit. Consider contributing to the Ghost Light Fund, all gifts up to $30,000 will be matched by Paramount Board President Rob Simis and Teresa Cloyd, Bennett and Anne Cowan and season sponsor Edward Jones Investments.

During the shutdown, we will be busy with important maintenance projects and system upgrades. With your support, The Paramount’s prompt return will help historic Downtown Bristol spring back to life! Check back often as the Paramount continues to reschedule 2020 events.

Theatre Bristol — Full list of COVID-19 updates concerning new show and audition dates can be found HERE. Everything is subject to change, so keeping up with Theatre Bristol on Facebook is encouraged.

Visit by Appointment Option Available

Bristol Tattoo Company — Reopen!! Now accepting appointments. Call 423-573-7804 (New guidelines for appointments in place). Gift certificates also available.

Golden Rule Tattoo — Reopen!! Now accepting appointments. (New guidelines for appointments in place). If you are interested in obtaining a private session tattoo, contact directly at 423-573-8222 to discuss available options. Please come to your appointment alone with with no pending ailments.

Salon 525 — Reopen for appointments only. New guidelines must be followed. Call 276-644-1510 to schedule.

Salon Bristol — Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 10-6 & Saturday 10-2 (other hours by appointment). Closed Wednesdays and Sundays. Offering curbside pickup, free local delivery and free shipping for Merle Norman and hair products. Accepting new clients and appointments and encouraging everyone to support the stylists during this time. Schedule by phone by calling 276-644-4944 or online.

Salon Remington — Open for Appointments Only, No Walk-Ins. New guidelines must be followed for appointments. Call 423-217-7995. Curbside Pick-up Available for Products.

Team Shear Obsession — Reopen for appointments only. New guidelines must be followed. Call (276) 696-9795 to schedule.

R&R Medicine — Appointments conducted via phone, video, and telehealth conferencing. Not currently taking appointments for direct contact services.