When COVID-19 hit Chicago, owner Dimitri Syrkin-Nikolau of Dimo’s Pizza saw it coming. He spoke with his staff about the uncertain moment ahead and enlisted them to generate ideas. At first, he revamped the takeout menu, adding new options like pizza and focaccia kits.

Like most business owners, he wasn’t sure how to react. He had worked in pizzerias since he was 18 years old and owned this one for more than a decade. Not one to stand back, he signed up to donate food to hospital workers through a local charity. Still, he felt like there was more he could do.