Time flies when you’re enjoying massive success.
It’s hard to believe that five years have passed since the residents of Bristol Borough packed into Bristol Riverside Theatre, all waiting with bated breath to learn if their beloved town was the winner of Deluxe Corporation’s national Small Business Revolution contest.
On Feb. 22, 2017, the venue erupted in cheers when it was announced Bristol Borough would receive $500,000 to rejuvenate its Mill Street business district after garnering the most number of public votes.
Since winning the competition out of more than 14,000 applicants and appearing on the second season of Deluxe Corporation’s eight-part Hulu series, Bristol Borough has experienced its share of highs and lows. Like the rest of the world, many small business owners struggled to stay afloat when the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2020.
But, according to Bristol Borough Raising the Bar president Bill Pezza, the town didn’t just survive those unprecedented times. It came out stronger than ever.
“Business permits in town are at the highest level they’ve ever been. We’re coming out of COVID well,” said Pezza, adding that the vacancy rate is almost nonexistent. “We’re trying to match interested business owners with a space, but there’s not much to match them with. It’s a good problem to have.”
In the years that followed the Small Business Revolution win, 23 new shops and restaurants have opened their doors. These include Hops and Hardware Distillery, El Limon Mexican Taqueria and Bricky Girl Tea Shops & Gifts, plus an expansion of Itri Wood Fired.
“We’re on a roll,” Pezza said with pride.
Recently, Bristol Borough hosted a day-long celebration to mark the five-year anniversary of its impressive feat. Guests enjoyed happy hour along the Pour Tour – a set of several food and spirits establishments all within 500 steps of each other. Retail shops also offered sales and discounts.
Additionally, a special congratulatory video message was played by Amanda Brinkman, chief brand officer of Deluxe and creator, producer and host of the video series.
Ahead of the anniversary event, Brinkman expressed to The Times her happiness over how well the town is doing.
“From the moment we set foot in Bristol Borough, we knew there was something special there. The small business owners, the town leadership, the residents … everyone was working together to elevate the community,” Brinkman said. “I will forever be changed by the people we met and the time we were lucky enough to spend there. Bristol Borough will always have a special place in my heart.”
According to Pezza, Bristol Borough has no plans to slow down anytime soon. This, he said, is just the beginning.
“While we’re thrilled about these numbers, it’s imperative that we continue to grow and spread the word about Bristol’s resurgence and we’ve been hard at work to do that,” he explained.
For example, retail shops, Bristol Riverside Theatre and historic groups are partnering with hospitality establishments to offer visitors a full shopping and entertainment experience. Also, the Bristol-based Steve Mooney agency of Farmers Insurance is sponsoring a Bites of Bristol series, produced by 1681 Digital Media, that features brief profiles of each restaurant and owner interviews.
“That speaks to where we are in terms of cooperation,” said Pezza. “Everybody’s on the same page. Everybody understands that cross marketing is important. When one business succeeds, we all succeed.”
When taking into consideration the condition of the borough in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, which saw empty storefronts and limited jobs, Pezza is proud of what the people of Bristol have accomplished, even before winning the Small Business Revolution contest.
Things began moving in a positive direction in the mid-’80s when Bristol Riverside Theatre opened at a former X-rated adult movie shop. Aspiring entrepreneurs started making their way to Mill Street and Bristol saw the beginnings of a rebirth.
Being named Deluxe Corporation’s winner helped catapult the borough forward with its $500,000 makeover, which included physical enhancements, lessons on social media and financial advice.
“We adapt. We keep going,” said Pezza. “We want to demonstrate to residents and visitors that what happened in 2017 was no flash in the pan. The Bristol Borough success story is ongoing and growing.”
Samantha Bambino can be reached at [email protected]
