Share Your Favorite Small Business for a Chance to Win!

One of my favorite restaurants in Athens, Ohio, is The Village Bakery.  They bake wonderful breads, serve salads, sandwiches, quiche and delicious baked deserts.  All the ingredients are local and organic. It is a friendly place to meet with a friend and share a meal.   In addition,  Chris and Bob support the local farmers who provide the produce used in the restaurant, even by demonstrating against possible polluters.  In addition, The Bakery uses solar panels and geothermal energy to provide the energy for the restaurant's heat and electricity. Bob and Chris are truly active members in our community, and by their example, leaders in preserving our environment, combating climate change and nourishing our stomachs and our spirits.

Basil & Rose in Bountiful, Utah (about 10 minutes north of downtown Salt Lake City) is owned by a fellow single mother over 50. Her store focuses on plants you can eat! But not only does she sell plants and seeds to establish your own garden, she sells all kinds of fun gifts relating to edible plants, fruits & vegetables, gardening, bees, flowers, and all kinds of fun things! She also hosts other small businesses and crafters, and offers classes when COVID restrictions permit. If you're ever in the SLC area, her store is worth the extra few minutes drive!

My favorite small business is Eso Wan Books in Los Angeles, California.  They are a great black bookstore and community gathering center.  They have wonderful events, authors as speakers and afro-centric gifts.

Soon after moving from the Midwest to the Phoenix, AZ area, we discovered the fantastic Greek & Italian Restaurant called Dino’s in the suburb of Goodyear. It is family owned and operated and has the most wonderful variety of Greek and Italian specialty food choices as well as superior service. I can truthfully say dining at Dino’s is absolutely addicting. Peter, the owner is so welcoming and friendly to all and has a good sense of humor. Our family has definitely lost count as to how often we go there. It is well worth it.  ----- Lynn Assimacopoulos

Our favorite here in Kailua, (Oahu) Hawaii is Paniolo's. There's a delicious, fresh array of ingredients to pick & put together a burrito, box, or bowl.  Portions are generous. Staff is great.

Pine Hill Nursery outside of Elk Rapids in northern Michigan is like walking through a magical place. Full of beautiful flowered walkways and numerous greenhouses with every flower, vegetable, plant, and herbs there is. Love seeing the fairy garden section and fish pond.

The Dragongate Chinese Restaurant in Pembroke Pines, FL is my favorite local business. They have been here for more than 30 years and consistently have great food with generous portions. They also have yearly celebrations for the community.

Tea by Two in Bel Air, MD is a quaint little shop and restaurant offering tea from around the world.  A special place for tea lovers.

Sunny Day Cafe in Bel Air, MD is one of the best family diners I have ever been to. Delicious breakfast and lunch items including crepes, omelets, sandwiches and salads. Friendly service and prices are very reasonable. Check them out!

Olive Cart in quintessential small town of South Haven, MI has the friendliest staff and welcoming atmosphere. You can sample anything in the store, and you will want to. They help with recipes and cooking ideas. You can join their punch card club to earn a free bottle of oil. Check their website out to learn more: https://www.olivecart.com/