On a recent trip to Fort Collins, CO for a research trial, I stopped in to La Luz, a local restaurant specializing in fresh Mexican food with a kick. While standing in line and trying to decide between fish or carnitas tacos (carnitas on corn tortillas won; they were fantabulous), I came across a flier for The 3/50 Project. The 3/50 Project is striving to preserve locally owned restaurants and businesses, such as La Luz, by encouraging consumers to spend $50 at 3 independently owned businesses once a month. A strong incentive to follow the program is that
for every $100 spent locally, $68 goes back to the community in the form of taxes, payroll and other expenditures. This money helps keep local economies strong.
I come from the small town of Colony, KS that boasts one of the best restaurants in SEK - The Country Diner. It's comforting to think that everytime I buy a pork tenderloin, mashed potatoes and iced tea from "The Diner" I am helping strengthen the community's economy.
I'm not suggesting that you completely swear off large chains, I'm merely suggesting that you contribute to the "Little Man" that may exist in your hometown. Independently owned restaurants are often diamonds in the rough and hopefully they'll be around for many years to come. If you're ever in SEK, I encourage you to drop into The Diner, sit a spell and enjoy the company and fare.
Until next time,
~Buzzard~Labels: food, local businesses, rural
