Share Your Favorite Small Business for a Chance to Win!

Tonys Burgers in Lincoln, Ar are always open for us and willing to help with our special orders! Thanks!

A bit down because of the pandemic? Tired? Apprehensive? I have a wonderful remedy for all those ailments right here in Houston, Texas. I visit The Path of Tea, a wonderful tea shop. While I browse through the hundreds of organic teas, I remember past happiness: visiting with friends, family members, dear loved ones… I choose a few ounces of delicate tea to take home; then I order a cup of green tea and a few delicious cookies; sitting down in the fragrant shop, sipping, nibbling, I look around at the displays on the wall: a kimono, pictures of tea plants tidily growing on a mountain side, delicate art. On the shelves, beautiful tea sets and cups for sale; I have found here many delightful gifts along the years. A mere half hour in the amazing Path of Tea, I feel rejuvenated, all burdens lifted. This is the gift of going down the memory lane in peaceful familiar surroundings.

Chameleon Counters in Copperas Cove, TX, provides excellent customer service and knowledge with regards to reptiles, birds and exotic 'critters'. It is a Reptile retail business that has been owned and run by husband and wife for 21 years.  Husband passed away, but wife does an outstanding job of taking care of customers and families desiring a new pet.

This is not a small business, but a very important one to my community.  Our 911 operations facility moved to a new location this past year without interrupting their services.  My nephew's wife is a Supervisor there, and says the move was smooth.  As well as training new dispatchers.  She is my hero.

I like Julio's Famous Pizzeria, in Fairless Hills, PA. It is a family owned business where you feel like part of the family. It's been in operation since I was a kid. They also serve a Ginacotti, which is kind of like a deep fried pizza. Very tasty, but I try not to get it too often now that I am over 50. I believe they even have an AARP coupon available.

Hardware Restaurant in North Aurora, IL is a small business that deserves noting.

They have a unique farm to plate menu and grow all of their herbs, hops and grains for food, brewing beer and distilling their own whiskey.  

During these trying times they have an enclosed outdoor patio with a fireplace on the outside of the building.  With socially distanced table and great hygiene protocol it is a secure and yet a romantic ambience.

The menu is stellar with all items either made on site or with a unique cooperative of restaurants and farm partners.  We ordered bone marrow from the appetizers, fish and chips with swordfish, and the best bison burger with five year aged cheddar I've ever tasted.

They make their own ice cream so for desert an apple style tart with cheddar cheese ice cream.  Always a unique experience and worth the trip.

Kuddos to the staff, great concept and safe environment for lunch or dinner.

The Pottery Grill, Coaling, Alabama has a great tasting BBQ meal. They have been in business many years at the site of an old pottery store whose owner made all the pottery sold there. I recommend the BBQ and friendship of the owners. 

UP Bra's That Fit in Escanaba, MI. is an amazing business.  Linda, the owner, is a cancer survivor and provides services and products for mastectomy and prosthetics as well as products for the general public.  The products are top quality and bras are personally fitted.  During this pandemic Linda renewed her nursing license and is working in nursing homes in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan who are short staffed and dealing with covid outbreaks.  Linda's personality and giving attitude are a huge plus in our community and the Upper Peninsula.  During the Christmas shopping season she offers bonus gifts from a local candy factory.  

Base Camp in Mazomanie, WI is a great restaurant for the community.  Basic, but very interesting menu, not a deep fryer in the place, promotes wholesome foods, and employs local residents.  They have international dinner nights that give people an opportunity to try world cuisines.  They promote seasonal vegetables in the summer - don't miss the beet season!  Their community room is available for groups to meet.  Guest musicians stop in and play the piano in the dining room on occasion.  Local school district classes plan field trips there to learn how to cook.  It truly is a base camp for the community.

Legend Driven GMC of Lawton Oklahoma is having a drawing for a new car, valued up to $25,000on Dec. 21st,2020. The Dealership distributed Raffle Tickets to Nonprofits which sold them for $10 each. All the funds raised go directly to the Nonprofits. This is why I’m offering Legend Driven GMC for consideration.