The COVID-19 pandemic was a time of unprecedented challenges for all of us. As businesses across the globe struggled to adapt to new realities, the restaurant industry was hit particularly hard. As someone who once worked in the restaurant business, I witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of shutdowns, capacity restrictions, and reduced foot traffic on these vital community hubs. It was clear that something needed to be done to help.
That’s when the idea for Wallacomunitee was born—a program designed to support local businesses, starting with the restaurants and bars that were hit the hardest. But this wasn’t just about finding a way to keep Wallatees busy during the pandemic; it was about leveraging our resources and expertise to make a real difference in our community.
The Spark of an Idea
During those early, uncertain days of the pandemic, I found myself reflecting on my time working in the restaurant industry. I remembered the camaraderie, the hard work, and the close-knit relationships that form in these spaces. These places are more than just businesses; they are the heart of our communities. The idea of watching so many of them struggle was heartbreaking.
So, I reached out to a few local restaurant owners with a simple yet powerful proposition: let’s create and sell branded T-shirts for your business. There would be no cost to the restaurant, and all the profits from the sales would go directly back to them. This way, they could generate some much-needed revenue even while their dining rooms remained empty.
How It Worked
The process was straightforward. We designed custom T-shirts for each restaurant, incorporating their logos, slogans, and any unique elements that represented their brand. We handled the printing and production at Wallatees, ensuring that the shirts were of the highest quality. The restaurants then promoted these T-shirts to their loyal customers, who were eager to support their favorite local spots during such difficult times.
The response was overwhelming. Customers loved the idea of buying a T-shirt to support their favorite restaurant, and many of these businesses saw a significant boost in revenue as a result. For us at Wallatees, it was incredibly fulfilling to see how something as simple as a T-shirt could help keep the lights on for so many beloved establishments.
The Birth of Wallacomunitee
What started as a way to support local restaurants quickly grew into something much bigger. The success of the T-shirt initiative inspired us to formalize this effort, leading to the creation of the Wallacomunitee program. We realized that many other types of businesses and organizations could benefit from similar support, especially in challenging times.
Through Wallacomunitee, we’ve extended our services to a wide range of organizations, including non-profits, community centers, and rescue services. The program now allows these groups to order custom merchandise, branding, signage, and more—all while receiving a donation of 10% back from Wallatees.
A Commitment to Community
The pandemic taught us many lessons, but one of the most important is the power of community and the importance of supporting one another. Wallacomunitee is our way of continuing that spirit of solidarity and giving back. It’s about using our resources, our skills, and our passion to help those who need it most.
We’re proud of the work we’ve done to support local restaurants during the pandemic, and we’re committed to continuing this mission through Wallacomunitee. Whether it’s a T-shirt, a banner, or a custom piece of merchandise, we know that these items can make a big difference in helping organizations connect with their communities and stay afloat during tough times.
As we move forward, Wallatees remains dedicated to making a positive impact, one T-shirt at a time. We invite others to join us in this mission—because when we work together, we can achieve so much more.
Thank you for being a part of our journey.