Pizza shop is part of a wave of kindness for Polson’s essential workers
It began in mid-March, when Montanans were first facing the disorienting reality that community life was changing drastically and suddenly. Businesses and schools were shutting down; residents were holing up at home. And the concept of “essential workers” was born — workers at businesses deemed too critical to life as we know it were asked to stay at their jobs through a pandemic.
“We had a big order on a Sunday night,” says Ryan Avison, co-owner of The Cove Deli and Pizza in Polson. “I thought, ‘You know, before I turn off the oven, why don’t I just make another pizza and bring it to our local gas station here.’”
That small act of kindness has blossomed community-wide. The Cove selects an “essential” business every day and delivers free pizza to their crew. The recipients have included hospitals, 911 dispatch, the post office, banks, UPS, insurance agencies, grocery stores, and many others.
“We just show up around 11 with a pizza and surprise them with it,” Ryan says.
“We started this business 17 years ago by truly investing in the community,” he said. “My theory is, we’re fortunate enough to have been here this long that we might as well pay it back to the community that has supported us.”
One good deed has led to another. Murdoch’s sent in large orders about every other day for their 20 employees. “They fed their employees for the entire month of April,” Ryan said. “Lots of businesses are doing things for people. It’s great for everyone to step in and help.”
Some examples: Engel & Volkers Real Estate ordered food to be delivered to the hospital. Port Polson Inn called and paid for a couple pizzas The Cove was making for the police department. Ryan’s wife Tasha adds extra credits when people buy cards for others at Small Town Girl Coffee.
The Cove re-opened Monday, May 4, as state restrictions were eased.
“It’s nice to have people back in here and visiting,” Ryan said. “Everyone in this community just gets along; they’re so friendly and take care of each other.”
