What Does it Mean to Support Local?

SUPPORT LOCAL? Editor’s Note: Local businesses, and especially restaurants have been drastically affected by the pandemic. Some are offering takeout options while others have shut down completely. Supporting local businesses will become even more important in the months ahead as the world and the Cypress area gets back on its feet. Support Local. Buy Local. You see the de cals in the store window, the sign at the Farmer's Market, the bright, cheerful logos for eclectic businesses and shops such as, My Little Sugar Plum’s Bakery, The Pie Lady, Nyam Nyam Ca fe, or even local made artesian pasta, bread, and sausage. The apparent message is "Let'ssupport-local-business," a kind of community boosterism. But buying close to home may be more than a feel-good; it truly is a worth-payi ng-more-for-local m atter. Studies show that when you buy from independent, locally owned businesses like Jersey Bagels, Brooks’ Place BBQ, Tea for Two, or Circle S Farm, rather than nationally owned businesses or mega chains, a significantly greater portion of your money is used to make purchases from other local businesses through collaboration of services; thus, further strengthening the economic foundation of our community as a wh ole. An example of a collaboration of services is the freshness of local produce the Cypress Family Farm to Kitchen initiative brings in the very best of LOCAL farms to your doorstep. Brandi McRill explains, “The Farm to Kitchen initiative connects local farmers to the community. We provide sustainable, responsibly grown fruits and vegetables to our neighbors on a weekly basis.” Creekwo od Grill owner, Brian Sandel, a dds, “While it's important to support locally owned businesses, make sure to ask questions when shopping or dining at a national brand or a chain. Many of these businesses, such as Fajita Pete’s Copperfield, are actually franchises that are owned by people who live and work right here in our communities.” As Founder of the Cypress Area Eats Facebook group, supporting local was a decision I made years ago, to dig deep into the Cypress and surrounding areas, get to know the local restaurant owners, food trucks, and vendors, and to understand their story; in essence, to support and help the locals in our community flourish. Many frequent chain stores without considering their local merchant or other small business options. Whether it's filling a prescription at a local pharmacy vs. Wal greens, or buying eggs, meat and vegetables from a local farmer vs. your nearest Walmart, small businesses are too often overlooked for all the wrong reasons. It is impressive to think about the amount of time, commitment and labor these hard-working individuals contribute to make their businesses come to life a nd stay alive. Customers dismiss the perks that many small businesses offer such as customer care and community support, when in fact, customer service is more personalized, hands-on, and noteworthy from smaller businesses. T here are exceptions to every rule, but generally speaking you should expect that a smaller business will deliver stronger customer service. Andy Correa, Owner of Andy’s Kitchen, provides insight. “Big chain style restaurants don’t care about building a relationship with customers and the Story & Photos by Metta Archilla-Ishida Cypress Family Farm to Kitchen

community. We strive for quality and service for a great family-like experience. We go the extra mile for our customers as a natural thing, not as a must.” Did you know that local business owners are more likely to give back to the community? Beyond actual dollars being kept within your local community - which is significantly higher when dollars are spent at a local business vs. a co rporate one - small business owners are also m ore likely to "do good" for the community. “When business owners invest in their community, they are not just working to build their business. They are supporting the schools their kids attend, supporting the organizations that help those right here in our own communities that need the help,” reminds Creekwood owner, Brian Sandel. Small local businesses across Cy press deliver community character and economic advantages, but the y also strengthen partnerships among neighbors, residents, other small business owners, community leaders, and even schools by offering social and economic relationships. Many locallyowned businesses also support local causes such as the annual Cypress Area Eats Bash Out Hunger Food Drive, benefitting Cy-Fair Helping Hands, and creating even- more-good within a c ommunity. In closing, “SUPPORTING LOCAL” is not just about purchasing from a Mom and Pop-type shop or buying from local farmer’s markets, but also in how we, as a community, respond to crisis: a break- in, vandalism, or a plea for support for a struggling food related small business. Supporting local means coming together to strengthen our foundation for our children’s future.

Metta Archil la-Ishida is a Founder of the Cypr ess Area Eats Facebook Group, #onmettasfork

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