Laura Clise (Left) and Dr. Christine Zapata (Right) prior to opening an #IntentionalTab at Cafe Pettirosso

Looking for more ways to support the diverse, local businesses in your community? Consider opening an #IntentionalTab.

Opening a tab at your favorite local business is an easy and effective way to show support for the small businesses at the heart of our communities. Just ask Dr. Christine Zapata, owner of Emerald City Spinal Care.

Dr. Zapata has been opening tabs at local businesses throughout the Capitol Hill neighborhood every Friday since March. She then invites people to “put it on Dr. Christine’s tab” and enjoy lunch, a treat, or a cup of coffee on her. 

It’s Dr. Zapata’s way of giving back to her community and spreading positivity.

“Community is very important to me,” she said. “At the beginning of the COVID pandemic, I saw how scared and anxious people in the community were, and I wanted to spread joy and brighten people’s day.”

By opening tabs, Dr. Zapata wants to encourage people to check out local businesses while also supporting people experiencing financial hardship due to the pandemic.

“Local businesses play an integral role in our community,” Dr. Zapata said. “They give people places to meet and connect, they employ people in the community, and they support our local economy.”

Businesses and members of the community have met Dr. Zapata’s initiative with excitement and appreciation. Some (including us at Intentionalist!) have reached out and matched or started their own tabs.

Want to start your own #IntentionalTab? Here’s how:

  1. Select a favorite local business. 

Need some inspiration? Don‘t worry, we’ve got you covered with our online guide.

  1. Call or visit the business and ask if you can open up a tab.

The amount you put on your tab is entirely up to you. If you want to contribute more but can’t at the moment, try teaming up with your friends to match your tab.

  1. Share where you opened your tab and how people can use it.

Use the power of social media to your advantage! Spread the word about the awesome local business you’re supporting everywhere you can. Make sure to note that all people need to do is go to the business, place an order, and say, “Put it on [your name]’s Intentional tab.”

Be sure to tag @Intentionalist_ on your post so that we can amplify your message. 

  1. Challenge others to open their own #IntentionalTab.

Ask your friends, family, colleagues, and acquaintances to pay it forward at their favorite local spots.

Want to hear about the next #IntentionalTab? Be sure to follow @drchristinezapata and @Intentionalist_!


Thanks for all that you do to #SpendLikeItMatters! Discover awesome brick + mortar small businesses in your community, suggest your favorites, and be sure that you’re following us on social media (InstagramFacebook, Twitter).

Intentionalist is your local guide to small businesses and the diverse people behind them. We believe that where you spend your money matters, and we’re sure glad you do too! Whether you identify as a localist, activist, or just a good neighbor, we make it easy for you to connect with, learn about, and support small businesses in your community through everyday decisions about where you eat, drink, and shop.

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