Eat Local: What it means and how you can do it.
There are a lot of questions surrounding what it means to shop and eat small. What does it mean? Does it make a difference? Can I fit into my budget? And then before we know it it’s too much research, and we’re back to our favorite chain restaurants and big suppliers. But shopping small and eating locally don’t have to be complicated, and there’s more ways than you think to support the brave souls that start their own businesses. While there are endless ways to shop locally or support small businesses, let’s focus for a little bit on one way — restaurants.
What does it mean to eat locally?
Local or small restaurants cover a ton of different concepts — and we’ll discuss a few here shortly. But it’s important to understand first what it means when we talk about supporting small or eating at locally owned restaurants.
When you’re eating out, ask yourself this question: where is the money I’m spending going?
Let’s break that down a little more. When you eat at a larger chain restaurant, chances are the resources used to make your food come from large suppliers, many times in different parts of the country or the world. Your tomato may not say “made in China” on the sticker, but you get the picture. Essentially, the money you spend is leaving your local community.
Compare that to eating at a local brunch place that uses fresh eggs from a local farmer who also supplies all of their produce. The money you spent on that meal is going into the pocket of that farmer. In fact, When you choose to eat local versus a chain, 65% of that money goes directly back into your community (Green Child Magazine). Small businesses like local restaurants are an essential part of the economy, both in your direct community and the national economy. According to Census.gov, “Small businesses are often hailed as a vital segment of our national and local economies and a primary driver of U.S. financial growth.”
When you choose to eat locally, you’re supporting your community, and everyone in it. While no two businesses are the same, there are a few common ways that restaurant entrepreneurs like to make their start. Start-ups are typically the first step on the road to a successful small business (Census.gov) so let’s consider a few you may see and frequent!
What to look for if you want to eat small.
So there’s a few types of concepts to consider when you’re looking to eat locally. Most grocery stores have local products you can choose from when you’re looking to eat at home. But let’s talk about those sweet times when you’re going to eat out.
- Local brick-and-mortar restaurants.
Whether you live in a large city, a small town, or somewhere in between, you’re likely to find a few locally owned restaurants, cafes, or delis. Next time you’re looking to go out for any meal, do a quick search of locally owned restaurants near you. Even local restaurants that have multiple locations still put that money back into your community. Many small businesses offer frequent customer deals, so check out how you can provide long-term support, and take advantage of the perks!
2. Food Trucks
Food trucks are a fun way to experience local food from local vendors when you’re out. Start thinking about your home community as if you were on vacation — you’d want to know where you could get the best food that you can’t get anywhere else. Food trucks are a great place to look! You can find food trucks in a variety of places. Some rent a spot on the street and are there every day. Others may focus on local events, like block parties, markets, or concerts. No matter where you see them, food trucks are a great way to support the community both in your hometown and when traveling.
3. Pop-Ups
Pop-ups are a great way for new and upcoming businesses can showcase their work and gain a client base, and according to the bottom line, they are the 6th most popular restaurant concept trend today. The coolest thing about pop-ups is that there are so many different kinds. It may be a long-term tent in a summer farmers market selling homemade soups or jams. It may be a pit beef stand at a local block party. Whether long-term or temporary, pop-ups are a great way to support new businesses and try something great!
Check out this pop-up!
One such place where you can try something delicious and support small is Little Hat Coffee. Little Hat Coffee is a coffee-based pop-up that operates out of Bryant Street Market, Washington D.C. They feature local coffee beans, supplied by A Toda Madre Roasters, another small business located in North Potomac. Little Hat is a great example of how supporting locals helps build the community, and keeps the local economy thriving.
Little Hat is open:
Tuesday — Friday: 8 am -2 pm
Saturday: 9 am — 1 pm.
So the next time you’re out and about, looking for a bite to eat or a delicious drink, look first at your community’s locally owned restaurants, food trucks, and pop-ups. Not only will you be a part of keeping the local economy thriving, but you’ll also get to try something delicious!
