The Clutch Collective MOV and Over the Moon Pub and Pizza, both located in Marietta, have recently completed renovations funded by the Backing Small Business Grant Program. (Photos Provided)

Two businesses in downtown Marietta recently completed major renovations funded by the Backing Small Businesses Grant Program hosted by American Express and Main Street America.

Over the Moon Pub & Pizza and Clutch Collective MOV were among 500 grant recipients nationwide to receive a $10,000 Backing Small Businesses Enhancement Grant this summer.

Since launching in 2021, Backing Small Businesses has provided over $9 million in grants to 1,180 small business owners across the country. American Express and Main Street America initially created the grant program to help economically vulnerable small business owners recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and grow their businesses.

The program is part of American Express’ “Backing Small” initiative to provide financial support and resources to small business owners and is an extension of the company’s longstanding commitment to support small, independent businesses globally, including through its Shop Small movement and Small Business Saturday campaign.

Over the Moon Pub & Pizza used the grant to update its front restaurant area at 170 Front St. Owners Michael and Lisa Walsh said their goal was to create a space that was more appealing to the community, especially after kitchen service closed for the day.

The Clutch Collective MOV and Over the Moon Pub and Pizza, both located in Marietta, have recently completed renovations funded by the Backing Small Business Grant Program. (Photo Provided)

“We built a bar where the service area used to be and updated the look and feel of the restaurant,” said Michael Walsh. “Previously, our back bar was the hub of activity after the kitchen closed. The problem was that walkers-by would look into the front and it would appear that we were closed.

If they didn’t know the back bar existed, then they would not have known it was open as it’s not visible from the front windows.”

The couple expanded bar seating, creating another spot for the community to come and hang out in the evening.

“In addition to the bar area, we now have games available for use while hanging out with friends, and the space has more utility as a place that can be rented out for private gatherings,” said Walsh.

The renovation included new bar appliances, sink system, countertop, lighting, painting, and signage.

The Clutch Collective MOV and Over the Moon Pub and Pizza, both located in Marietta, have recently completed renovations funded by the Backing Small Business Grant Program. (Photo Provided)

“With the past five years being what they have been with a pandemic and its associated impacts, and then a prolonged declining economy, we know that it is important to have places where folks can come and let off steam and have fellowship with friends and neighbors,” said Walsh.

“This transformation of our front restaurant area helps create such a place for our community.”

Over the past couple of years, the Walshes have learned that they need to adapt to the needs and wants of their clients.

“This means continually looking for activities, entertainment, as well as food and beverage that brings unique and satisfying experiences to our customers,” said Walsh. “At the same time, we realize that we cannot be everything to everyone so we stay focused on delivering consistent, high-quality pizza, subs, wings and salads with friendly service in a very clean facility.”

A few doors down at 152 Front St., Clutch Collective MOV used the Backing Small Businesses Grant to build new displays, a counter, and a sandwich board, as well as update its storefront façade and purchase equipment.

The Clutch Collective MOV and Over the Moon Pub and Pizza, both located in Marietta, have recently completed renovations funded by the Backing Small Business Grant Program. (Photo Provided)

When Clutch Collective first opened, owner Sarah Arnold said she did not have a nest egg to invest so improvements were made slowly over time, with most projects financially out of reach.

“Receiving this grant allowed us to construct interior displays, complete our façade, and invest in what we needed to build the foundation for our online shop,” said Arnold.

True to the mission of the shop, Arnold worked with local artists and craftsmen to complete all work. The counter was built by Russell Loughner of Siberian Woodworking, based in St. Marys and painted by local artist, Alix Northrup. Northrup also completed the design for the façade and hand-painted the sandwich board and hanging sign.

Arnold’s husband, Nick, custom-built the interior displays and sandwich board. Jordana Bungard of West Side Sign Co. installed the storefront vinyl and hand-painted the lettering above the entry. Brian Haney repainted portions of the building’s façade.

“Not only do these improvements make for a more enjoyable shopping experience for the community, but they increase visibility for the 80+ artists we feature in the shop,” said Arnold. “Each new display increased our capacity, allowing our artists to display more of their work.”

The Clutch Collective MOV and Over the Moon Pub and Pizza, both located in Marietta, have recently completed renovations funded by the Backing Small Business Grant Program. (Photo Provided)

Clutch Collective first opened in 2021, after Wit & Whimzy moved into the space next door. While the two shops are connected on the interior and share a check-out counter, each shop has its own identity and customer base.

Arnold said these enhancements further solidify Clutch Collective as its own entity.

“It is our hope that Clutch Collective is a place where the community feels welcome to browse our collection of local and regional art, discover new artists, and feel inspired,” said Arnold. “With these updates, our space is finally cheerful inside and out and perfectly positioned to host local artists, live music, and small-scale community events.”

The Backing Small Businesses program’s 2024 grant recipients represent U.S. small businesses across all 50 states, plus D.C. and Puerto Rico. Later this year, grantees will have the opportunity to apply for an additional $30,000 enhancement grant that will be awarded to 25 small businesses.