TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — With the economic uncertainties from the coronavirus, we here at ABC 27 are shining a light on businesses that are doing their part to help out the community while keeping their business open.
"From 2000 to 2013, I ran the World Yo-yo contest, bringing 1,000 people together from about 27 different countries," Gregory Cohen said.
Gregory Cohen owns Lofty Pursuits and yo-yoing is a favorite past time of his that he's looking to spread across the Big Bend.
Lofty Pursuits is sweetening the deal for customers while keeping employees on the job.
Cohen is a business man and kid at heart, always churning out new ideas to stay relevant, and stay in business, while keeping everyone safe.
"We're going to close the inside of the store and we are building a pop-up drive-thru, walk-up section," said Cohen. "But, because of that, you can't come in and see our neat toys. So we've turned several of our windows into literally window shopping windows."
Longtime customers say they appreciate this little slice of normalcy.
"Even though we're under quarantine now, sometimes I just can't stand being at home anymore,"said Jeff Mandel, one of Lofty Pursuits customers. "So I come up, get an ice cream cone, and eat it in my car. So even at the worst times, I manage."
Cohen is also transitioning his shop, delivering necessities and dry goods, along with toys and tasty treats.
"We're in the odd circumstance," Cohen said. "Come and order from us, breakfast at 8 p.m. if you wanted to, with a board game, and jigsaw puzzle and toilet paper."
Lofty Pursuits is giving away one yo-yo with each online order, asking customers to participate in a yo-yo competition. You don't have to be great at it, just get ready to help Tallahassee break the Guinness Book of World Records for the number of people yo-yoing at one time.
Lofty Pursuits has 2,037 yo-yos to give away to get you started.
"We're going to give links for yo-yo instructions by Mark Hayward, world yo-yo champion," said Cohen. "But I thought it would be really cool to help people at home and give them something to look forward to after this is all over."
He's also giving away bars of soap to those experiencing homelessness.
"Helping them with soap, food and taking care of our neighbors," Cohen said. "They may not have a home, but they do live here."
All treats, no tricks, to pursue lofty dreams for his business in the years ahead.
If you're a business supporting our community, we want to hear from you.
ABC 27 has made it easy to submit your own business.
This is not just Tallahassee. South Georgia small businesses, we want to hear from you too!
Click on the We're Open, Tallahassee tab at the top of the ABC 27 website. Then, tell us your story by filling out the section to the right.
It's our way of letting people know you are open for business, and how they can support you.
