Facebook users promoted SoCal Pizza, a local pizza parlor in Norwalk, after the business shared their struggles during the pandemic on social media.
After the mom and pop business posted photos of an empty diner reading, ‘don’t be down, Rick, there’s always tomorrow,’ Norwalk Facebook users began re-sharing the post with their own supportive captions.
Users created a public event for the community, inviting members to visit the business on Feb. 9 from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. to dine-in and show their support.
Following the city’s first Coffee with the Mayor event, folks drove down to SoCal Pizza to show their support by eating and drinking locally. Mayor Rick Ramirez also joined in on the fun.
Facebook user Ralph Barrios posted the flyer in The Real Norwalk Neighborhood group (days before the event) in an effort of encouraging Norwalk residents to order from the local business.
“Show some support for SoCal Pizza by ordering some food, the owner is a really cool guy and could use our support,” Barrios said, “If we don’t support our own who will!”
As a result, a variety of Norwalk residents showed their support for the business by either ordering take-out, pick-up or dining in for the experience and posting their photos on Facebook.
A former employee for SoCal Pizza and admin for the Norwalk Interactive Corner group on Facebook, Jennifer, re-shared SoCal Pizza’s post and shared some words of encouragement of her own.
Jennifer said, “I used to work here and the staff are amazing! It’s a family-owned business, I promise you won’t be let down.”
The company’s social media platforms later shared a post to the community thanking them for their endless support.
“I want to express from the bottom of my heart my gratitude for everyone’s words of support and shares,” the Owner of SoCal Pizza wrote, “It’s such a blessing to know that we still have such a caring community here. I appreciate you!”
SoCal Pizza is a family-owned business run by Rick Ochoa and his wife, Lori. The business opened its doors in 2010 to share Ochoa’s passion for cooking and serving the community.
With COVID-19 shutting the world down in 2020, small businesses have struggled to survive. Many have closed their doors or have been forced to transition everything online.
SoCal Pizza is one of the many local, small businesses struggling to keep up with the pandemic and appreciates all the support they can get.
Ochoa also mentioned that they are currently hiring waiters and waitresses with open availability and a starting pay of $15 an hour as well as cooks for the weekends for $16 an hour.
Those interested are encouraged to visit the business and apply in person.
