Supporting Local Businesses
Recently, I met some friends at a cafe. The couple arrived, took their seats, and when the lovely waitress came over to take their orders, they didn’t order a thing. I won’t lie—it kind of irked me. Cafes are bustling spaces, and taking up a table without even buying a coffee feels... well, a little inconsiderate.
This wasn’t an isolated incident, either. At a recent mothers' group catch-up, one mom parked herself—pram and all—in prime seating territory, yet declined to order anything. It left me feeling conflicted. On one hand, I get it: life is chaotic, and sometimes you just need a moment to catch your breath. On the other, cafes and restaurants aren’t free public lounges—they’re businesses.
So, here’s my PSA: if you’re going to sit down at a cafe or restaurant, consider ordering something. Even a simple coffee or a slice of cake supports the people working hard to keep the lights on and the place running. These spaces are vibrant community hubs, yes, but they’re also someone’s livelihood.
Let’s show them a little love; order a damn cappuccino!
I have to disclose that supporting small businesses, especially hospitality joints, hits close to my heart. Every time I walk into one of my husband’s cafes, I’m reminded of the countless hours, heart, and energy poured into making them run. Owning a small business is an act of passion, determination, and sheer grit. It’s not just about brewing coffee or plating up food; it’s about creating a space that feels like a community hub, a second home for regulars, and a warm welcome to newcomers. But behind the scenes? The challenges are enormous.
From skyrocketing ingredient costs to finding and keeping a reliable team, running a local business is a daily test of resilience. The pandemic didn’t make things any easier, and even as the world returns to some semblance of normal, small businesses are still catching up, pivoting, and finding ways to survive in an ever-changing landscape.
Small businesses are the heart of our neighbourhoods. They’re the cafes with character, the mom-and-pop stores, the cozy bookshops. They give our towns and suburbs character and color. Supporting them means investing in your own community—helping to ensure the places you love don’t vanish in a haze of corporate sameness.
Why Supporting Local Matters
Economic Impact
When you spend at a local business, more of that money stays in your community. Local businesses are more likely to reinvest their earnings into the area. Every dollar spent becomes a small vote for the vibrancy of your neighbourhood.Connection and Care
Local businesses are run by real people, often families, who genuinely care about their customers. They remember your order, chat about your day, and offer the kind of personalised service you’ll never get from a faceless corporation.Cultural Identity
It’s the indie coffee shop with its eclectic playlist or the hole-in-the-wall diner with secret family recipes that make a place special. Local businesses reflect the spirit of their owners and the community they serve.
Lessons from the Other Side
Being married to a small business owner has been eye-opening. I see firsthand the sacrifices it takes to keep things running smoothly. Days off are rare, and stress is constant. But I also see the pride and joy that come with building something meaningful. It’s a rollercoaster, but one worth riding.
As the year unfolds, I hope we all remember the role small businesses play in our lives and that your actions and spending can hugely impact them. They’re more than just shops and cafes—they’re the dreams of people like my husband and countless others who pour their everything into them. Let’s show up for them the way they show up for us.
Because a thriving local business isn’t just good for the economy; it’s good for the soul of our communities.
