Need Help with my 1988 Toyota Corolla

I have a 1988 Toyota Corolla that has approx 111,000 miles on it and a few days ago it didn't start due to problems with the carburetor. I haven't been able to start it since and I need to take it to a shop that works on carburetors. My question is what is the best way to start a car that doesn't choke properly when you try to start it?

Some extra information it case this helps- A few months ago I had a new air filter installed among other things and when it was installed they tightened it down so much, that it bent part of the carburetor. I had a shop fix it for me because a guy whom works there knows a good deal about carburetors. It's also gotten pretty cold here in case if that matters at all.

If you can manually close the choke butterfly, do so while someone else cranks the engine, until releasing it won't stall the engine.

If the butterfly won't close, then use an industrial hot air blower (hair dryer) to heat up the intake manifold.

Sounds like the jets and floats are stoking inside probably due to lack of driving.
A carb rebuild sounds pretty standard now days for older cars