These days, large corporations like Wal-Mart, McDonalds, Amazon, and Apple have nearly monopolized their respective industries. In order to keep the local economy stable, consumers must remain conscious of ways they can support small businesses. Here’s how the simple act of eating at a local restaurant can play a significant part in boosting the local economy.
Why Support Local Businesses?
Sometimes, going to large corporations may seem like the most convenient and beneficial way to shop or eat. However, in reality, supporting local businesses benefits consumers in the long run. This is because patronizing small businesses keeps the local economy afloat, as locally owned businesses recycle much more of their revenue back into the community. Their construction and maintenance also typically require less infrastructure than a large corporation requires, and small businesses tend to use public services more efficiently. In many ways, local businesses are also more environmentally sustainable. In addition, they tend to provide better wages and support the economic and social relationships of the community.
Local Restaurants Create More Jobs
Having a healthy job market is crucial to a good economy, and it’s easy to see how local businesses create local jobs. According to a 2012 report by the Small Business Administration (SBA), small businesses comprise 99.7 percent of U.S. employer firms, 64 percent of net new private-sector jobs, and 49.2 percent of private-sector employment. This means that overlooking local restaurants could damage the local job market down the line.
Small Restaurants Keep Money in the Community
A small restaurant provides jobs to people in the community, who, in turn, are likely to spend their wages at local shops. In addition, local restaurants and other businesses are much more likely to support local events and give back to the community. Furthermore, a corporate restaurant may source their ingredients from all over the country. The ingredients in a national brand’s pizza or salad could originate in half a dozen states. Local restaurants are more likely to buy from other local businesses for their ingredients and supplies, therefore keeping more money in the area. The American Independent Business Alliance reports that independent retailers actually return over three times more money per dollars of sales than large chains do. This means by supporting a local restaurant, consumers can create a trickle-down effect that spans many different businesses and industries—all while enjoying a delicious meal.
The choice to pick a local restaurant over a national brand is simple, but that decision creates a cascading chain of positive reactions. If you’re interested in giving back to the community and having a delicious and fun experience at the same time, call Pudgie’s Pizza at 607-962-7400! Since 1963, we’ve offered Corning residents delicious Italian fare, from stromboli to handmade pizzas. Be sure to check in on our updating daily specials!
