Some of the best times of my life have been in the most worn down and beat up places. When I think about some of the bars and diners that hold the best memories, it’s always the small places where the extra bit of what makes it special is how important the people in there are. You get to know a place like that and it feels a little bit like home every time you go. I’ve helped fix plumbing, leveled tables and changed out kegs for places for nothing more than the want to help a place that’s been just-making it since they’ve started. Having real conversation with a bartender or having the cook get excited to make you something they want to try out. You can’t build that kind of place by throwing money at it, advertising and unbelievable marketing strategy. People can tell when a place is genuine and really tries to go that extra step for every last person that walks through their doors. Looking back on it, I’ve been supporting small businesses and entrepreneurship for as long as I remember. There is something about people chasing the American dream that really speaks to the soul of locals of any good town and city. The sense of community is something that I think everyone wants and is in some way chasing. What about you? Do you think the word neighbor is more than just a word? What’s your hole in the wall spot that you like to go and relax, where it’s more than just what’s on the menu?
