Saturday, November 27, 2021, is Small Business Saturday – a day to celebrate and support small businesses and all they do for their communities. This year, we know that small businesses need our support now more than ever as they navigate, retool and pivot from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
It is also the day I urge folks out there who work up their hangry side or thirst to stop in and dine or take out from a local restaurant.
For about six years in Georgetown, South Carolina, I embraced this day by getting out amongst the locals on Front Street, in The Hammock Shops Village and on The MarshWalk to hand out candy bars, other goodies to spread the good cheer about our great eateries.
Last year, I handed out free copies of Southern Flavor Magazine and Hershey's Gold candy bars (discontinued), telling business and restaurant owners they were "golden" and valued in our community.
As mentioned before the pandemic has taken a huge toll on the culinary industry of this country, higher tolls on states that are accustomed to tourism for their restaurant cashflow.
Make it a planning point to support a local eatery while you not only shop this Saturday, but for the rest of the year. Christmas parades are coming up, so plan to dine in or take out local before leaving to go home.
Personally, I have been encouraging and supporting the culinary industry for eight years. I've built bonds with people who mean the world to me. These folks work tirelessly to provide a great experience for their customers, with chefs not knowing the fruits of their labor until after dinner service. Give these people some encouragement yourself. Tell them they are awesome. Tell them they are appreciated. Tell them the food is superb. Take pictures and share using the hashtag #gotoyournomnomplace.
Let's be a beacon of light for small businesses and local eateries like never before.
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