People line up outside Spectacular Spudz at the Flint Farmer’s Market for one of Keysa’s baked potatoes fresh out of the oven. Offering close to twenty baked potato options like Turkey Chili Cheese, Chicken Alfredo, and Veggie, everything on the menus is made from scratch. “A lot of love goes into the food.”
Spectacular Spudz was closed for about one month during the COVID-19 shutdown. While customers have happily returned to Spectacular Spudz at the Farmer’s Market, the catering side of Keysa’s business has been slower to return. A $10,000 grant from Verizon via LISC helped Keysa purchase PPE to protect her staff and customers. The grant also allowed her to purchase a new, faster payment system which reduced the time customers spend checking out – keeping staff safer and lines moving.
During the shutdown Keysa had the opportunity to provide meals to healthcare workers via support by Frontline Foods, a non-profit that uses donations to purchase meals for front-line workers from local restaurants. Like so many others, Keysa experienced the loss of loved ones during the pandemic. Keysa appreciates the support of programs like Frontline Foods and the LISC Small Business Relief Grant. “Providing meals for the hospitals gave me a chance to get out and connect with the community.”