On Small Business Saturday, Remember to Dine Small, Too!

“Shopping small” on November 29th, the Saturday after Thanksgiving, may initially make us think about supporting local shops, boutiques and crafts markets rather than heading to the mall. But independently owned restaurants are yet another key part of the small business community. They also deserve a seat at the table on Small Business Saturday.

Dining at locally owned restaurants supports more than one great meal. It keeps more money circulating in our community. Like local shops, independent eateries return significantly more revenue to the local economy than national chains — for every $100 spent at local businesses, about $68 stays local. Your meal tab helps pay staff, buy local ingredients, and keep our downtowns vibrant during the holidays and beyond.

Local restaurants also add distinctive flavors and options to our towns. From family-run BYOBs to chef-driven top-end options, these places reflect the character of our communities. Choosing to eat local means not just feeding yourself but investing in our local identity. And since many restaurants source from other small businesses — farms, bakeries and breweries — you get more bang from each bite.

So this holiday season, as you pick out gifts and support indie shops, remember to dine small, too. Shop small. Dine local. Support Brandywine Valley businesses.