Small Businesses ftw

So today I worked in this little unremarkable small town in Beaver County, Pa, called Rochester. There's a Kmart there that our newspaper kiosk team works about every 3 or 4 months. It's just a normal Kmart, not a special store or anything, and it's really, really far from where I live. Every time I see it on the schedule and have the option to pick it, I think, do I really want to drive an hour and a half to work if I don't have to? And I usually pick the store anyways. Why do I do this to myself? Because it's right across the street from a really good sandwich shop that I am sort of in love with. It's called My Hero's Sub Shop, and the sandwiches are great, he has Coke products in cans to drink, the guy who runs/owns it is super cool, and it has an awesome vibe. It's the same reason I like to work the Walgreens in Pleasant Hills, Pa. Just an ordinary Walgreens, a little busier than most, but it's right next to a Coffee Tree Cafe like the one I lived near in Squirrel Hill, and it makes me feel very Pittsburgh.

I understand. I go to Starbucks all the time. And some times, when I'm visiting a city, surrounded by exciting new places to eat, I'll go into Dunkin Donuts because it's the safe bet. I ate at the Hard Rock Cafe in Hawaii. I get it. It's less risky. But becomes a habit. But trying new local places is so great! And you always remember them in ways you're not going to remember chain restaurants.

For example, the Brownsville Drive-In reminds me of my teen years. I'm positive I saw a gazillion movies as a teen, but the ones that are the most memorable experiences are the ones that I saw there, under the stars, with friends. It's different than a Carmikes or an AMC. You go for something more than just a movie.

Same with Phil's Corner Store in Uniontown. Yes, it's a little gross in there. But that's part of the magic. You don't go for the ritzy atmosphere. You go mostly because the hoagies are freaking amazing, and partly because you can't believe the place is real. Just don't go on the first of the month. Seriously, you better have an hour to waste. But it's so good!!! And I used to eat there all the time in high school--get the sandwich there, then eat it on the bench in front of the library or in Marshall Park across the street.

Now, I have a new home in Greensburg. I still enjoy my Fayette County spots when I'm in town, just like I love Brother's Pizza and Waffle Shop breakfast when I'm in State College. But Around home, I'm still getting acclimated and finding new gems. Baldy's Pizza, in Downtown Greensburg is a really good one. Also, I just love going for drinks at the Headkeeper, with their vast selection of beers. Still on the look out for good locally owned coffee, deli, and other good stuff. Anyone know of any, let me know.

But I've gotta be thankful for all of these things, all of these small businesses with so much more flavor than the big chains. If there are local businesses around you, make the most of them! So many places have fallen under the heel of Wal-Mart and chain restaurants, grocers, etc. Enjoy them, and help keep them in business. Chances are, they're struggling. You'll make great memories, and you can feel good about the stuff you buy instead of just indifferent, or worse, guilty.