How to Support Local Restaurants and Why It Matters

Julio Neves
September 27, 2024

In a world where convenience reigns supreme, it’s easy to fall into the habit of ordering from large chain restaurants or relying on fast food for quick meals. But if there’s one thing the global pandemic and changing social landscape have taught us, it’s the importance of community, and at the heart of many communities are local restaurants. Whether they’re family-run diners, quaint cafes, or chef-owned bistros, these local eateries do far more than serve food—they are cultural and social hubs that reflect the spirit and diversity of their neighborhoods.

Supporting local restaurants is not just a trend; it’s a crucial part of maintaining the vibrancy and uniqueness of our communities. In this article, we’ll dive deep into why supporting local restaurants matters, how you can actively contribute to their success, and why the small actions you take can have a lasting impact.

Why Supporting Local Restaurants Matters

Before we discuss the various ways to support local restaurants, it’s important to understand why it matters. Here are a few key reasons:

1. Strengthening Local Economies

When you spend money at a local restaurant, you’re directly contributing to your community’s economy. Research shows that for every dollar spent at a locally owned business, significantly more of that money stays within the community compared to what’s spent at a large chain. This is known as the “local multiplier effect.”

Local restaurants often source ingredients from nearby farms, employ people from within the community, and reinvest their profits locally. The ripple effect of supporting these businesses is substantial. Your money helps pay employees, who then spend their earnings on other local businesses, such as grocery stores, shops, and other services. This cyclical flow of cash helps create a more resilient local economy and can foster a strong sense of community.

2. Preserving Cultural Diversity

Local restaurants are often the gateways to diverse and unique culinary experiences. They tell the stories of their communities—whether it’s a Thai family bringing the flavors of their homeland to a small neighborhood café or a native New Yorker putting a creative spin on traditional American cuisine. These eateries are not just places to eat; they are cultural landmarks that offer a glimpse into the heritage, traditions, and creativity of different groups.

Chain restaurants, on the other hand, often serve standardized menus that are uniform across locations. While there’s a time and place for convenience and consistency, it comes at the cost of homogenizing food culture. Supporting local restaurants helps preserve culinary diversity, offering people a broader range of flavors and cooking styles that might otherwise disappear.

3. Environmental Benefits

Local restaurants tend to have a smaller environmental footprint than their larger counterparts. Many small eateries source their ingredients from local farms and producers, reducing the distance that food travels before it reaches your plate. This reduces carbon emissions associated with transportation and supports sustainable farming practices.

In addition, local restaurants often prioritize quality and sustainability, choosing organic or seasonal produce over mass-produced goods. By supporting these businesses, you are indirectly promoting environmentally friendly practices, helping reduce food waste, and encouraging farm-to-table dining.

4. Personal Connections and Customer Experience

Unlike large corporations, local restaurant owners are often directly involved in the day-to-day operations of their businesses. They greet regulars by name, remember their favorite dishes, and offer a personal touch that chain restaurants simply cannot replicate. This fosters a sense of belonging and community.

Many of us have personal memories tied to specific local restaurants—whether it’s the café where you had your first date, the bakery that serves your favorite croissants, or the pizza joint that has been a neighborhood staple for decades. By supporting these places, you are nurturing the personal connections and the social fabric that make communities feel like home.

5. Supporting Dreams and Entrepreneurship

Opening and running a restaurant is often the culmination of someone’s dream. Whether it’s a first-generation immigrant bringing their family’s recipes to life or a young chef experimenting with innovative dishes, local restaurants are born out of passion and hard work. Supporting these businesses means you’re not just paying for a meal; you’re helping someone’s dream survive and thrive.

In contrast, large chain restaurants have corporate backing, standardized processes, and big marketing budgets. Local restaurants rely on their community for word-of-mouth support and loyal patronage. By choosing to dine at these establishments, you’re directly contributing to the success of passionate entrepreneurs.

How to Support Local Restaurants

Now that we’ve covered why supporting local restaurants is so vital, let’s look at the many ways you can actively contribute to their success.

1. Dine In or Take Out

The most straightforward way to support a local restaurant is by dining there. Whether you choose to enjoy a meal in-house or order takeout, your patronage makes a significant difference. Every time you order from a local spot, you’re directly helping them cover their operating costs and keep the doors open.

With the rise of food delivery apps, it’s easier than ever to get food delivered to your doorstep. However, these apps often take a significant percentage of the restaurant’s earnings (sometimes up to 30%). When possible, opt for ordering directly through the restaurant’s website or calling them to place your order. This way, the restaurant keeps more of the money you spend.

2. Buy Gift Cards

One way to support a local restaurant, even if you’re not planning to eat out right now, is by purchasing a gift card. Gift cards provide immediate cash flow for the business, which can be crucial in tough times. You can buy gift cards for yourself to use later or give them as gifts to friends and family.

Many restaurants offer digital gift cards, making it easy to support them even if you’re not local. These gift cards can also introduce new customers to the restaurant, helping to grow their clientele.

3. Spread the Word

Word-of-mouth is one of the most powerful forms of marketing for local restaurants. If you love a particular spot, don’t keep it to yourself—tell your friends, family, and colleagues. Social media is another fantastic tool for promoting your favorite local eateries. Share photos of your meals, tag the restaurant, and write glowing reviews on platforms like Yelp, Google, or TripAdvisor.

Positive reviews can have a big impact on a small business, helping them stand out in a crowded market. When potential customers see that others had a great experience, they’re more likely to give the restaurant a try.

4. Tip Generously

The service industry can be tough, and many restaurant workers rely on tips to make a living wage. If you have a positive experience at a local restaurant, consider leaving a generous tip. It not only shows your appreciation but also supports the hardworking staff behind the scenes—chefs, servers, bartenders, dishwashers—who make the restaurant run smoothly.

During challenging times like the pandemic, many restaurant workers face reduced hours or closures. Tipping a little extra can go a long way in helping them make ends meet.

5. Attend Events and Special Promotions

Many local restaurants host special events or offer promotions to engage the community. Whether it’s a wine tasting, a seasonal menu launch, or a cooking class, attending these events is a great way to support the restaurant while enjoying a unique experience.

These events often give restaurants a chance to showcase their talents, experiment with new dishes, and create deeper connections with their customers. By attending, you’re not just supporting financially but also showing up as part of their community.

6. Volunteer or Donate

If a local restaurant you love is struggling, consider offering your time or resources to help. Some restaurants may need volunteers to deliver meals, promote their services, or even help with marketing and social media. Others may have crowdfunding campaigns or donation initiatives that allow you to contribute financially.

For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many local restaurants pivoted to providing meals for healthcare workers or food-insecure families. By donating to these initiatives, you’re supporting both the restaurant and a larger cause.

7. Get Involved in Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA)

Community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs connect local farmers with consumers. Many local restaurants are involved in these programs, sourcing their ingredients directly from nearby farms. By participating in a CSA, you’re supporting both local farmers and the restaurants that prioritize fresh, sustainable, and local ingredients.

Some restaurants may even offer farm-to-table dining experiences or feature seasonal ingredients from their CSA partnerships on their menus. By supporting these initiatives, you’re contributing to a sustainable food system that benefits the entire community.

The Challenges Facing Local Restaurants

Local restaurants face a unique set of challenges, many of which have been exacerbated by recent global events like the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding these challenges can help us appreciate the importance of supporting these businesses and taking action to ensure their survival.

1. High Operating Costs

Running a restaurant is notoriously expensive. From rent and utilities to labor costs and raw ingredients, the expenses add up quickly. Local restaurants, especially those in urban areas, often face steep rents, and any fluctuation in income can be devastating. Unlike large chain restaurants, which have the financial backing of corporations, local businesses rely on their daily earnings to cover these expenses.

Supporting local restaurants means helping them stay afloat in a competitive and often unforgiving industry. Every meal purchased is a step toward offsetting these high operating costs.

2. Competition from Chain Restaurants

Large chain restaurants benefit from economies of scale, allowing them to offer lower prices, extensive marketing campaigns, and consistent service across locations. This can make it difficult for small, independent restaurants to compete, especially when many customers prioritize convenience and price over supporting local businesses.

By choosing to dine at local restaurants instead of chains, you’re helping level the playing field and giving small businesses a chance to thrive in a market dominated by larger corporations.

3. Labor Shortages

Many local restaurants have struggled with labor shortages, especially during and after the pandemic. With fewer staff members to keep the restaurant running smoothly, many eateries have had to reduce their hours, limit their menus, or operate with smaller teams. This can lead to burnout for employees and challenges in maintaining the same level of service that customers expect.

By being patient and understanding with your local restaurant staff, you’re helping them navigate these tough times. Remember, these workers are doing their best to provide you with a positive dining experience despite the challenges they face.

Conclusion: Why Your Support Matters

Supporting local restaurants is about much more than enjoying a good meal. It’s about preserving the culture, identity, and spirit of your community. Local restaurants are the heartbeat of neighborhoods, offering a space where people can come together, share stories, and enjoy the rich diversity of flavors from around the world.

Every time you choose a local restaurant over a chain, buy a gift card, or share a recommendation, you’re making a difference. You’re helping small business owners achieve their dreams, creating jobs in your community, and contributing to a vibrant, diverse, and sustainable local economy.

So next time you’re deciding where to eat, consider skipping the big-name chains and instead supporting the small, independent eateries that make your community unique.