The Husband and I decided to walk to Providence Cafe for a business lunch today.

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I think FALL is officially here (although it’s still 85+ degrees in Charlotte):

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Providence Cafe was great.  I ate here a few weeks ago for a meeting with Girls on the Run and have been dying to take the Hus.

 

We split the asparagus salad to start.  My portion:

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This bread was to-die-for, but I didn’t want to ruin lunch and only ate half:

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The chef made us a special vegetarian lunch.  I love accommodating restaurants!

 

A southwestern black bean burger.  The chef likes his creation so much that it’s going to be the special for tomorrow’s lunch!

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I took the top of the bun off and inhaled the rest (it was GIANT):

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Fruit on the side:

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Our lunch was a “working” lunch because we spent the hour designing our magazine ad for his clinic.  It’s a lot harder than it seems at first!

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We’re going with the long, vertical 1/3 page ad on the right hand side, per your suggestions!

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Win a Grocery Goddess E-Coaching Session

 

In the spirit of small business support, here’s a GREAT GIVEAWAY from Jen!

 

Jen says: After receiving a Bachelor of the Arts in 2001, I decided to travel the country. During this time I stumbled into the hospitality industry, and quickly learned that I love to connect with and help people. After settling down in the mountains of North Carolina six years ago, I continued my work in hospitality, doing everything from event planning to helping people at the airport address their travel concerns. By 2008, I decided I wanted to help people on a deeper level, and entered a life coaching certification program.

Jen Two

During my early 20’s I also started on another journey, this one having to do with my health. After college I finally started exercising regularly, lost and have kept off 30 pounds, and started to cook. As the years progressed I learned about whole, fresh foods, new ways to incorporate veggies into my life, and even more about cooking. In the past few years I’ve also learned something else important to overall wellness: the health of the spirit and mind. I’ve learned about meditation and other ways to calm the mind, and about mindfulness in all aspects of life.

Jen Run Jen Run
I received my coaching certification from best-selling author and O columnist Dr. Martha Beck. My coaching focus is entirely on health, wellness, and weight loss. I help people understand the difference between whole foods and "food-like substances", as Michael Pollan calls them. I also can help people set and stick to a grocery budget if that’s an issue, show them how to incorporate fruits and veggies into their (and their family’s) diets, and give ideas for mindful eating, mindful living, and setting goals for health.  I work exclusively online, which means my clients can relax at home and get coached in a comfortable environment. They get both chat and e-mail coaching, and I even offer "DIY Coaching" for people who are on a very tight budget.

 

I’d like to offer three people free coaching, the package of their choice. Packages range from 6 to 8 week. They can pick a package by looking at my website www.jentrinque.com under "e-coaching". I’d also like to offer anyone who doesn’t win the free coaching a ten percent discount if they mention they found me on Healthy Tipping Point.

 

To win one of Jen’s three FREE e-coaching sessions on creating a better grocery list, simply leave a comment describing your favorite small or local business.  I’ll pick the winners tomorrow at lunch!

{ 264 comments }

 

  • Madeline - Greens and Jeans September 8, 2010, 2:05 pm

    What a cool giveaway! My favorite local business is actually back home in Lawrence, KS and is the community Co-op. It’s an incredible local grocery store that focuses on fresh, organic, and local foods. They also work hard in the community and one of the projects they are currently sponsoring is a garden project at one of the junior high schools. The students “work” at the garden and the school even uses the veggies they grow in their lunches!

  • Holly @ couchpotatoathlete September 8, 2010, 2:05 pm

    My favorite small business is my local health food store. The owner and employees are so helpful. They have ordered products that I (and other customers) have requested, they set my regular purchases aside for me (once without me requesting so!) and are always very friendly. I pay a little more for their service and expertise versus going to Whole Foods or other stores.

  • Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin September 8, 2010, 2:07 pm

    My favorite local business in DC is the Juice Joint Cafe on Vermont Ave NW between K and L. I love that the owner is always working and everything they make is fresh, delicious, and HEALTHY. It’s such a great option for eating out when i don’t bring my lunch and I love supporting local businesses! http://www.juicejointcafe.com/

  • Nikki T September 8, 2010, 2:08 pm

    Great giveaway!
    My favorite local business is where I do my training/workouts, Exist Fitness. The trainer, Jaime, is absolutely incredible! She is so good at what she does, so encouraging and makes you really LOVE the workouts.
    I don’t know what I’d do without her!

  • Mary September 8, 2010, 2:09 pm

    Cool giveaway! My favorite local business is a local grocery coop called Bella Bean Organics (I live in Chapel Hill, NC). It’s a company that sources fresh, local, organic fruits, veggies, meat and baked goods from farmers and artisans living in North Carolina and delivers them weekly to customers. It makes CSA veggies affordable ($25/week!!), customizable, and super easy to get every week. It’s basically the coolest idea ever 🙂

  • Allie (Live Laugh Eat) September 8, 2010, 2:10 pm

    I actually found a small shop in Geneva, IL after attending HLS called Peaceful Parlour. The lady there sells green/environmentally friendly items such as Dharma straws, organic beauty products, and so much more. You could tell she was really passionate about saving the environment.

  • Emily September 8, 2010, 2:10 pm

    My favorite local business is the small grocery store in my home town. They have an incredible selection for such a small town and the employees are so friendly.

  • Julie September 8, 2010, 2:10 pm

    My favourite local business is a thai food restaurant that makes the best curry I have ever eaten- spicy and delicous! They have plenty of vegetarian options, as well as milder curries, and the prices are something I can afford. It is my top pick on birthdays and holidays.

  • Kristina @ spabettie September 8, 2010, 2:11 pm

    wow this is great! 🙂

    one of my favorite local businesses is called Food Fight, a vegan grocery. They are awesome people and always have the newest vegan thing – which I LOVE. 😉

    They also support local as much as they can, featuring local vegan bakeries and food products.

  • Sarah for Real September 8, 2010, 2:11 pm

    My favorite small and local business is my husband’s business! Other than that, my favorite is… Perry Street Pizza, in Spokane, Washington. Mmmmm… I guess I’m hungry!

  • Katie (Sweet Tater) September 8, 2010, 2:12 pm

    i’m going to pick my favorite local business down here in rock hill… sahara middle eastern restaurant.

    falafel tugs at my heart strings and i commend them for opening this restaurant in the land of meat & three and chain restaurants.

  • Kimberly September 8, 2010, 2:12 pm

    Hi, Caitlin. This is completely unrelated to giveaways or food, but in light of Operation Beautiful, I thought you might be interested in this nice article about raising our girls without gender stereotypes: http://networkedblogs.com/7CScr

  • Brittany September 8, 2010, 2:13 pm

    My favorite local business is The Tomato Head is Knoxville, TN. They use organic and free range ingredients. They also get everything as locally as they can. They are extremely nice and they cater to vegans, vegetarians, and meat lovers. They also go out of their way to be careful for people with food allergies.

  • Carolyn @ lovinlosing September 8, 2010, 2:15 pm

    As a person who loves food I’d have to say my favorite local business is a restaurant called Bodega in Norfolk. SO good!!

  • Dynamics September 8, 2010, 2:17 pm

    My favorite small business is a grocery store. It is in an area by itself. It is small but fully functioning. It has a lot of healthy type options. I love it because I can run in and run out in minutes. The vegetable guy always greets you with a smile and helps you pick out your produce. I have learned a lot from this man. I wish it was closer to home.

  • Amanda @ LessonsInModeration September 8, 2010, 2:17 pm

    My favorite local business is a little cafe ironically named “Wicked Big Cafe” great soup, sandwiches and coffee!

  • Erin September 8, 2010, 2:17 pm

    Fun giveaway!! This is easy…my favorite local business is this fabulous cafe–the theme is about a dog the owner had growing up. This dog had such an impact on his life as a child, he opened this cafe (there is now 3 in our city) and named it after this dog and all the decor is geared towards his furry friend.

    But what keeps me going back is the food…it’s so awesome. It features organic eats, fabulous flavors and a wonderful atmosphere!!!

  • kdbaker September 8, 2010, 2:18 pm

    My favorite local business is City O’City in Denver, CO. They serve vegetarian food, local beer and more in a funky fun atmosphere. It has been a fun place to visit as my fiancee and I transition to a veggie way of eating.

  • Stacey September 8, 2010, 2:19 pm

    My favorite small AND local business is the H&M Deli in Cramerton, NC! They get their produce from a local farmers and they have such great combinations of flavors in their sandwiches 🙂 My favorite is their pesto foccocia (I have no idea how to spell that word). It comes with avocado, pesto, cucumbers, lettuce, tomato, cheese and a zesty spinach artichoke mayo sauce!!! NOm nom nom

  • Laura@FindingAHealthyBalance....after a 100+ Pound weight loss!!! September 8, 2010, 2:20 pm

    Ah, I love FALL! =)

    Wish it was starting to show here in Florida but it won’t until November I am sure. =O

  • Laura September 8, 2010, 2:20 pm

    My favorite local business is a pet supplies store. They offer a huge variety of quality dog foods, toys, and treats – all tested on the owners’ dog (and store mascot!), Big Daddy. All the employees are dog lovers, and they make recommendations based on their own experiences with the products. Over the last year, they’ve really gotten to know my dog and me. I found Max’s amazing trainer through them, and Max loves shopping there too. He always finds something new to pick up there. 🙂

  • Errign September 8, 2010, 2:21 pm

    My favorite small business in my town is my local bicycle shop! 🙂

  • Kelly September 8, 2010, 2:21 pm

    My favorite is our local bagel place called Bagel Train!

  • Emily September 8, 2010, 2:22 pm

    Love this giveaway! My favorite local business in San Diego is Peace Pies. They specialize in raw food. I love their kale salad! I try to catch them at the farmers market every sunday.

  • Leanne @ Radiant, Balanced & Fit September 8, 2010, 2:24 pm

    My absolute favorite small business is a store called “Oui 3” in St. Albert. 3 friends (who used to all be teachers!) opened the business up a couple years ago, they sell activewear (one tooth brand, very similar to lululemon) but at a fraction of the price. They are so friendly and welcoming, and they make sure to take part in community events. I truly love that store and all it represents!

  • Nina September 8, 2010, 2:25 pm

    My favorite local business is the bakery in the town where I spent my summer vacations growing up. They have the best homemade, fresh baked goods, sandwiches and salads you could ever imagine!

  • Sarah @ Sarah's Shaping Up September 8, 2010, 2:25 pm

    My favorite local business is called “The Tavern on Main” in Wise, Virginia. It’s a fabulous restaurant that serves great food. I live in a SUPER small town so it’s hard to find good vegetarian options but this place has a greek wrap that’s to die for and bella burger that is incredible! 🙂

  • Gavi @ GaviGetsGoing! September 8, 2010, 2:25 pm

    Thanks for the cool giveaway! My favorite local business is a tiny wine bar near our apartment called Inner Fog. It’s got a great vibe, wonderful service, and delicious wine. Here’s to supporting local businesses!

  • Amanda September 8, 2010, 2:26 pm

    My favorite small business has to be my dad’s Water Well Drilling company. My grandfather started the business in the 70s and my dad is still running it today. He started drilling wells at 13 years old and it the only job he’s ever known. Talk about passion!!

    How do you eat your open faced burger?? I have always considered doing that but have no idea how to eat it without making a huge mess!

    • Caitlin September 8, 2010, 2:28 pm

      fork and knife!

  • Shannon September 8, 2010, 2:26 pm

    We have a great local-food store called “In Season Local Market”

  • Tami September 8, 2010, 2:27 pm

    I have too many to pick from…I try and stay away from “chain” restaurants and recently found a new restaurant with the perfect cheeseburgers…Corner House Inn in Sandwich NH. I enjoy my local running store and bike shop and there’s a smallish grocery store up the road that I try to go to instead of a chain.

  • Katie September 8, 2010, 2:27 pm

    My favorite small business is my in-laws. They run a alterations/shoe repair business. I’m so proud and happy for them–they work so hard and really deserve all the success they have!

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) September 8, 2010, 2:27 pm

    First off, that burger looks insanely good. Second off, my favorite local business is my husbands illustration business. Can’t help it, I have to be honest.

  • Kacy September 8, 2010, 2:29 pm

    That restaurant looks exquisite! Love places that offer creative and substantial veg meals.

  • Joell Diamond September 8, 2010, 2:29 pm

    My favorite small business is Go Far Sports, Fargo, ND (formerly Dick Beardsley). Everyone definitely helps you “Go Far”. The sales people are friendly and very knowledgeable about running. Its great walking into a store and talking to the sale person about their long run they are doing or did that weekend! The running groups are a blast and keep you motivated when the wind chills are below zero in ND! 🙁

  • Kelly September 8, 2010, 2:29 pm

    My fave is Wrapini’s – one of the only places that delivers to us! – they make the most delicious food and don’t fry anything!

  • Melissa September 8, 2010, 2:30 pm

    My favorite is this small Thai place near my house – fantastic green curry! I wish more people would go there so they stay in business, but I also appreciate it rarely being busy so the service is speedy 🙂

  • Leah September 8, 2010, 2:31 pm

    My favorite local business is Cohen’s Bagels in Madison, Ct. When I worked down the street from them I would get lunch there at least once a week. They make their own bagels on site and all the sandwich ingredients are fresh. They have great vegetarian and meat eater options. I got my whole office hooked on them. I was so sad when our office moved too far away to stop there for lunch.

  • Amber September 8, 2010, 2:34 pm

    Tri, bike and running shops are the best local businesses. I love my local running store. They are really helpful and knowledgeable. I still go there and buy from them things that are cheaper online since they know how to treat their customers

  • Raya @ Raya Runs September 8, 2010, 2:34 pm

    There is the cutest greek restaurant near my house called Athens and it’s family owned. They have the best hummus! I love that when I go there it’s always the same waitresses and they know people by name!

  • Mindy September 8, 2010, 2:34 pm

    Oh with a taproom near my house & local brews in every bar, my pick is: http://www.brooklynbrewery.com/

  • Kat September 8, 2010, 2:36 pm

    there’s an awesome vegan restaurant with raw options called The Grassroot Cafe that even my carnivore husband loves!

  • Brittany P. September 8, 2010, 2:37 pm

    My favorite small business is my family’s business! We are in our 27th year of business–our company, Signstar, makes signs that you can see all over Tampa buildings (including almost all the “skyscrapers” downtown) and storefronts! My grandpa started the company and my Dad is now in the process of taking over the reins 🙂

    Non-family related, my favorite small business is the Olde World Cheese Shop down the street from my office. It’s a cute little shop that has been in the same area for over 30 years. They still use the original hand painted sign for the menu, the same sandwiches with a little new additions. They sell local artists’ work in the storefront and use local produce/bakery items for the sandwiches. Oh and everything is DELICIOUS! 🙂

  • Sarah September 8, 2010, 2:37 pm

    It’s been here so long my mother and her siblings went to it. It is a an old traditional New England store with a bar to sit at and classics such as raspberry lime rickeys (my favorite) and dino-crunch icecream. The same breakfast crowd hangs out there every a.m. for coffee and a bagel, muffin, eggs, etc.

  • Erin September 8, 2010, 2:38 pm

    Can’t believe your leaves are changing already! I’m in denial about ours 🙂

    My favorite local business is a small wine shop within walking distance of my house. It’s called House Red and the owner knows my husband on sight. The owner can pick out the perfect wine for you if you tell him what tastes you like and the wines in his store are very reasonably priced. They also have a wine club which I joined within a month of moving to the area. The have free wine tastings on Fridays and Saturdays, partner with other local small businesses for events, and offer classes in wine pairings. You can also rent out the entire store for a private event if you want! I’m thinking about doing that for my birthday in January.

  • Rachel September 8, 2010, 2:43 pm

    My favorite local businesses have all closed down. One was my dad’s slot car hobby business that he ran for 10 years, and another was a farmer’s market with GREAT prices that closed down a few months ago.

    Chains rule the road where I live. I hate it!

  • Jami (Sensical Musings) September 8, 2010, 2:44 pm

    My favorite small business is the Orphan Breakfast House in Sacramento. Just their name alone says so much about why I love to support them: “The name Orphan was derived from the term ‘orphan business.’ An orphan business is a small operating business unit, which does not integrate into a larger business sector. This term is also used to indicate businesses that are not authorized, supported or funded by a larger entity; not part of a system; isolated; lacking commercial sponsors or commercial sponsorship.” The atmosphere is laid back, most of the servers have tattoos, the food is super fresh & delish, coffee comes made to order from a drip bar, and they have a special menu showing with dishes can be served vegan. They only take cash or checks, that’s right – checks! You know it’s an independent business if they’ll take a check for breakfast.

  • Victoria September 8, 2010, 2:48 pm

    My fave local business is the family owned bakery that made my wedding cake! Two sisters put their heart and soul into that cake and it was awesome!

  • Brandi September 8, 2010, 2:49 pm

    I NEED THIS!!!! I have been working on getting me and my family to live a heathier lifestyle for about 5 months now, Making gradual changes. I always have so many questions though. My favorite family business would be my dad’s gas station. It has been there for 25 years and my husband and I run it for him now. Even though it is long hours and incredibly hard work, it has always been worth it. And I am so proud of my daddy for saving up the money to build it himself and for working so hard to provide for us when we were growing up, but still finding the time to come to our softball games and whatnot.

  • Janene Giuseffi September 8, 2010, 2:51 pm

    My favorite small(& local!) business is a wonderful worker-owned restaurant and cantina here in Athens, OH. It’s called Casa Nueva, and serves absolutely, positively, DELICIOUS meat, veggie, AND vegan food, and takes pride in getting most if not all of their ingredients from local farms. They also support local talent and bring in some really awesome bands to keep the nights lively. Yay for a bar with character and values in a sea of stereotypically college drinkhouses!!

  • Holly @ Self-love and Running September 8, 2010, 2:52 pm

    What a great giveaway!

    I would have to say my favorite locally owned business in my current hometown would be our farmers market. It’s a co-op. Does that even count? I don’t know but the market is awesome!

    My favorite business from my hometown growing up would probably be the little bakery that was willing to accommodate my husband’s dairy allergy and make us a dairy-free wedding cake. Most of the other places we asked looked at us like we had 2 heads and said it couldn’t be done!

  • Jes September 8, 2010, 2:55 pm

    My favorite small and local business is my Mom’s shop… I love it there. She deals antiques and handmade primitive items, and it always smells like cinnamon in there, I think that’s the real reason it’s my favorite! =)

  • sarah September 8, 2010, 2:55 pm

    My favorite small business is Transports- an athletic gear store in Oakland, CA. They do an awesome job fitting you with running shoes and have a nice selection of running clothes plus gels, electrolyte drinks, etc.

  • lo September 8, 2010, 2:56 pm

    My favorite small business is this local health food store that sells everything Whole Foods does (and more!) for less $. I love supporting the locals!

  • AlisonJ September 8, 2010, 2:57 pm

    Wow, I have lots of favorite local businesses (where I live now & where I grew up!). Probably one of my favorites is Adam’s Apple Orchard in Vermont – I used to ride my bike there every day in August for their fresh corn on the cob – so awesome! And of course the fall was spent picking apples & making homemade apple sauce.

  • Diana at Diana Tries a Tri September 8, 2010, 2:58 pm

    My favorite local business is this little running store that I frequent. They are so helpful, knowledgeable and nice! They also put on running classes and programs and sponsor races throughout the year. I’m currently in one of their training courses taught by the friendly staff (who just happen to be coaches and athletes at the nearby University). It’s a great store! Fairhaven Runners in Bellingham Washington if anyone is up in the PNW area!

  • Nicole September 8, 2010, 2:58 pm

    There is a local coffee place (Credo coffee) that sells Intelligista coffee. Ethical and delicious lates. Mmm

  • Amy September 8, 2010, 3:00 pm

    My favorite local business is the gym I went to in Austin where I went to college. It is called Castle Hill Fitness and is a wonderful facility with great classes and awesome instructors. They also have a cafe attached to the gym with delicious pre-made healthy foods and smoothies. I haven’t been able to find anything like it in my new city (and trust me, I’ve tried), and I really miss it!

  • Liz September 8, 2010, 3:01 pm

    My favorite local business hands down is the grocery co-op that’s by my house. It’s staffed by the people that own it and they have THE MOST AMAZING bulk goods section I have ever seen. When I saw sauerkraut in bulk, I almost died (and I don’t even eat sauerkraut). I take every person that comes to visit me from out of town to have a tour of the store. I love love love it!

  • 'laina September 8, 2010, 3:05 pm

    My favorite local business is a pizzaria in Salem, Oregon called Padingtons. They make the best thin, cracker crust pizza w/ fresh toppings. My hubby and I have each gone there since we were kids, and now we’re 33 and take our own (6!) kids (and they’re totally addicted as well).

  • Jenna Puckett September 8, 2010, 3:07 pm

    We have a great restaurant in Raleigh that’s a small business. It’s been around since the 70’s. It’s called Irregardless. They originally opened as a vegetarian restaurant, but they now have a few meat dishes.

  • RhodeyGirl September 8, 2010, 3:11 pm

    Favorite local business- Philadelphia Runner. Everyone is super friendly and they don’t just try to sell to sell. They CARE that you enjoy the items you buy from their store, and they are always happy to give running tips etc. AND they have a free awesome running group!

    I love reading about you helping the husband with this business as my husband and I will be embarking on a similar journey very soon- including both working at home for a few months! It should be interesting!

  • Heather (Heather's Dish) September 8, 2010, 3:13 pm

    i really love sunflower markets…they might be fairly big, i don’t know, but they have really great reasonably priced local produce. gotta love that!

  • Elise September 8, 2010, 3:15 pm

    Love this giveaway! My favorite local business is back in Chicago. Its a small wineshop in the heart of Chicago. A beautiful gem in the big, concrete city. They are so personable, supply 1 of a kind wines, liquors & beers and have the best customer service I’ve ever received. I loved shopping there — it was my ‘go-to’ place whenever I needed a gift. They never failed to help me pick out a good gift.

  • Sarah September 8, 2010, 3:16 pm

    My favorite local business is sadly not very local to me anymore, it’s near my parents’ house in Annapolis, MD, where I grew up. City Dock Cafe is the epitome of a local coffee shop. It’s a cross between the Cheers Bar (no alcohol, but everyone knows your name!) and the Central Perk on Friends. I’ve been going there since I started drinking coffee in high school and have spent tons of time there catching up with friends, doing schoolwork and people watching. It’s a great place to meet new friends and run into old ones. Oh, they’ve got amazing coffee and great healthy (and decadent, if you want/need — haha) it, too!

  • Kimberly September 8, 2010, 3:16 pm

    I love local businesses and do my best to support them. My favorite is probably the local running shop with the Green Dog (organic pet shop) coming a close second. Rounding out the top three would be a downtown deli with the best soups ever.

  • Marisa September 8, 2010, 3:18 pm

    My favorite small business is the local video rental store. They are very nice, low priced and always have fabulous ideas if you are in a movie rut! 🙂

  • Hilary September 8, 2010, 3:20 pm

    My favorite local business is a pizza place called Satchels in gainesville, FL. They have the best pizza and salads I’ve ever had, and they pay their employees a fair wage.

  • Caitlin September 8, 2010, 3:20 pm

    My favorite is Kickass Cupcakes (http://www.kickasscupcakes.com) For one they make AMAZINGLY tasy cupcakes from scratch daily using all natural ingredients – no hydrogenated oils, no trans fats, no artificial flavors or preservatives. Plus they support local schools and other non-profits. And seriously, they make a kickass cupcake 😉

  • julia September 8, 2010, 3:20 pm

    I love local ma and pa shops. The customer service is most often more personal and friendly, and esp if it’s a restaraunt, the food is usually SO much better! some of my fav places to eat are local hole-in-the-wall type places. Beofre I moved last month, my fav local business was this Italian restaraunt called via maestra 42. It was so unbelievably good, and cheap!

  • britta September 8, 2010, 3:25 pm

    Whoop whoop! Thanks for sharing! I’m def. going to check out her site and enter!!!! xoxo B

  • Debbie September 8, 2010, 3:25 pm

    I love Ward’s Seafood in Clearwater. It has been around forever and it is the best place to find fresh fish. My favorite purchase was grouper cheeks. I have never had cheeks before but there were no bones and they were super tender.
    I love this giveaway!

  • kari September 8, 2010, 3:26 pm

    i really love the local chain burgerville in portland (where i live). they offer awesome local and more healthful versions of fast food. they have lots of veggie burgers and local ingredients for their fries and other sides. they also offer health insurance to their employees and have a great presence in the community.

  • Cindi September 8, 2010, 3:32 pm

    My favorite local business is Paper Skyscraper, here in Charlotte. I could spend hours in that store!!!

  • Jenny September 8, 2010, 3:33 pm

    My favorite small business is also a restaurant. Bolete Restaurant in Bethlehem, PA (http://www.boleterestaurant.com/). Food is such a large part of my life, and is a major thing that my husband and I connect on. I don’t think we would have gotten together if we didn’t both enjoy the experience of eating (not necessarily the experience of eating at the hottest restaurant, but the best restaurant). When we first moved to the Lehigh Valley, my coworkers spoke only of eating at chain restaurants and I was worried that we would lose that experience (although we do like to recreate it at home) until we found Bolete — a farm to table restaurant, run by a couple on a 6 burner stove, where the waiters and waitresses remember you, where the bartender makes custom drinks for you, and where generally you feel like home but a little more special and a little more taken care of.

  • Tracy September 8, 2010, 3:33 pm

    My favorite local business is Healthy Touch therapeutic massage in Newport News, VA (City Center!). The owner and staff are wonderful and they take the holistic approach to everything in life. Delightful and life-enhancing!

  • Lungs September 8, 2010, 3:35 pm

    There is a great local small business called Bread and Sons – organic, vegetarian bakery in the business core that offers sandwiches, salads, baked goods, pizza… Yum! All vegetarian, and vegan, GF, lactose-free and other options always available. It’s delish, and it’s always packed – good for them.

  • Crystal September 8, 2010, 3:35 pm

    This giveaway is great! My favorite local business is Auntie Em’s Kitchen in Los Angeles. They always incorporate seasonal produce in their menu and they usually have an organic dish included in their weekend specials. They also have amazing mini-cupcakes and coffee. It is definitely my favorite brunch spot!

  • Heather September 8, 2010, 3:35 pm

    My favorite local business is Sunflower Market near my house. I know they have a few other brances scattered throughout the Southwest, but it’s unlike any other store I was able to find when I lived in the Midwest.

  • kristin September 8, 2010, 3:36 pm

    my favorite local business is this small icre cream shop near my house called Mitchells. It is AMAZING!!!!

  • Jasmine @ Eat Move Write September 8, 2010, 3:36 pm

    My husband and I do business ‘coffee hour.’ I love it. It’s amazing to be able to do actual business meetings with your own hubby. 🙂

  • Chelsea at Striking Balance September 8, 2010, 3:36 pm

    The lunch does look great, I would love to see somethingl ike that as a special at a restaurant!

  • Rachel September 8, 2010, 3:37 pm

    My favorite business is The Couch Tomatoe Cafe – finalllllllly a healthy, inexpensive pizza joint. http://thecouchtomato.com/ I would totally recommend it to anyone in the Philadelphia Area.

  • Kate September 8, 2010, 3:37 pm

    My favorite locally owned business is Cafe Campesino. It is a fair trade, organic coffee importing cooperative and I can’t believe they set up shop in this small town. They opened up an adjoining cafe and it’s the best (and only) coffee shop in town.

  • Meg September 8, 2010, 3:37 pm

    My favorite business is thesmartteacher.com! Well, it’s not up and running yet….but i hope it is soon! It is going to be a GREAT resource!

  • Laura September 8, 2010, 3:40 pm

    What a great idea!!! I would love to receive some coaching on budgeting and mindful eating/living!

    My favorite small business is sprouts farmers markets. They only have a few locations in Texas, Colorado and Arizona. In Texas, it’s really hard for farmer’s markets on the weekend to flourish because the produce that is grown here is sold to the grocery stores. Also, not many people are interested in the farmer’s markets! Sprouts offers very cheap and often local produce 7 days a week in their stores, along with other natural and organic food products. I love them and shop there every single week!

  • Beth September 8, 2010, 3:42 pm

    I think it is so funny that you call your husband the hus…I don’t know why 🙂

    That burger looks outstanding!

  • Rae September 8, 2010, 3:43 pm

    My fave in Rochester NY is the abundance co op. Small, friendly, and you have an option to become a shareholder!

  • Kate September 8, 2010, 3:43 pm

    My favorite local business is Stanley’s Fruit and Vegetables in Chicago. Produce is so cheap there compared to grocery stores in Chicago and about half the produce is organic!

  • Tracy September 8, 2010, 3:43 pm

    I love the grocery store website southernsavers.com. This site has helped me save loads of money on groceries and drug store items! Love it!

  • cestyeuxbruns September 8, 2010, 3:46 pm

    Ooh, my favorite local businesses are the mom and pop restaurants in our area – we love going to local Indian restaurants, Ethiopian restaurants, and probably my favorite is Dukem on U Street, NE. Delish!!

  • Lee September 8, 2010, 3:48 pm

    I’m a graphic designer, should you ever need any ad design help.

    Fave small business is a natural foods store called Return to Eden.

  • Amy September 8, 2010, 3:48 pm

    My favorite is a pizza place in Bethalto, IL-called Roma’s. Small family restaurant, good people, and the best pizza ever!

  • Therese September 8, 2010, 3:50 pm

    How random that the first commenter mentioned The Merc in Lawrence, KS! That was the first thing that came to mind for me, too! I also love ANY locally owned bakery. Now I’m craving something from Dolce Bakery in Kansas City…

  • Ali September 8, 2010, 3:52 pm

    My favorite small business is a take out place in my town called Rocket Wraps. They make healthy food to go and it is geared towards people who need to properly fuel for a work out. Everyone who works there is so friendly and they really take pride in what they make!

  • Kerry September 8, 2010, 3:54 pm

    What an inspiration! Great post. I think your ad will look great, by the way! 🙂
    My favorite local business is a fabulous Greek Restaurant in Henderson, NV. It’s called the Greek Bistro and a small family owns it, runs it and makes it amazing. They are so friendly and helpful and I love the food!

  • Kelly September 8, 2010, 3:54 pm

    My favorite small business….sadly just went out of business 🙁 It was called Bertolino’s resteraunt….they made homemade italian dishes in heat and serve containers, so on busy nights, I could swing in pick up eggplant parmesan hot and ready to eat or bring it home and pop it in my own oven…along with bread made fresh that day! Loved feeling like I was feeding my family fresh healthy food instead of processed crap from a fast food establishment.

  • Ali September 8, 2010, 4:00 pm

    My favorite small business is a mattress store in a little town just outside the bigger town of Louisville, KY. My in-laws happen to own it, but they are inspiring. They have made so many connections and contributions in the community. I’m proud to be related.

  • Heather ODonnell September 8, 2010, 4:02 pm

    My favorite local small business is Back to Bliss Wellness. They offer massage, yoga, a circuit gym and an organic salon. I absolutely love them and I went to high school with the owners!

  • Cait September 8, 2010, 4:03 pm

    My favorite small/local business is Farmacy Gardens, a great little farm that has the best organic fruits, flowers, and veggies at the farmer’s market!

    I want to win the life coaching for a friend who has trouble staying healthy when life gets stressful (which is actually most of the time for us medical students).

  • kim September 8, 2010, 4:03 pm

    What an awesome giveaway! My favorite local business is Flatbread Company in Salisbury, MA! They have awesome flatbread pizzas, made with all organic ingredients! Simple amazing!

  • Jamie September 8, 2010, 4:05 pm

    my favorite local business is the local strawberry farm, Parlee Farms. so good!

  • Angela September 8, 2010, 4:05 pm

    My favorite local biz is a small town cafe. It’s a place that literally you are only a stranger once. They make everything on site from quiche, salads, soups (lentil soup 2 die for) and gelato. They are friendly and willing to accommodate any special request. The one thing that stands out for me is that they celebrate each employee. Every month in their newsletter they will spotlight an employee so you get to learn about them a little more. It is truly a neighborhood/community friendly business.

  • Erin September 8, 2010, 4:05 pm

    Neat! Looks like you’re having a great day. 🙂 I love our neighborhood Greek restaurant — it’s the kind of place where the owner knows frequent visitors by name and gives big hugs.

  • Angela September 8, 2010, 4:06 pm

    I love this giveaway! My favorite local business is Vitaals bakery. They are a vegan/gluten free restaurant near my house. Its such a small place and always seem empty when I go there, but the product is amazing! I hope the word spreads about them so they stay open.

  • Michelle September 8, 2010, 4:08 pm

    My favorite local business is Federal Grove. They serve amazing food but it’s not that healthy so I don’t go often but oh the food is amazing.

  • Kristan September 8, 2010, 4:09 pm

    I love the Friends of the Library bookstore. They sell used books, magazines, movies, and cds to help support our local library in their new renovation project.

  • Katalina @ GreenLivingNY September 8, 2010, 4:12 pm

    we have a very nice Italian cafe near our place called Milano, it is family owned and operated, the staff is so friendly and the food is delicious!:)

  • jamie September 8, 2010, 4:15 pm

    I can’t pick just one – I have two that bring me such happiness to enter. The first is a bookstore called Changing Hands. It has a ton of new and used books, gifts, cards, jewelry, and something that I love to take advantage of – guest speakers. They offer language classes, volunteer outreach programs, you name it. I love that place.

    Another is a new one, Tempe Farmers Market. Why I love it? The owner. Every time I go in there he’s there with a big smile on his face. He’s so very friendly, and talks to me like we’ve been friends forever. All the small things he does just make me want to go back time and time again. He talks to me about products, gets me a cup of tea, brings me a basket when I go overboard ;). LOVE!

    I know you and your husband are going to have a wonderful patient community in no time. Hang in there!!

  • Amanda September 8, 2010, 4:18 pm

    What a cool giveaway! My favorite local business is, honestly, my nail salon. It’s owned by a Korean family. I’m a teacher and have had one of their daughters in class! They’re fantastic, and appreciate of my work (many parents are not).

  • Michele September 8, 2010, 4:19 pm

    Oooo what an incredible and fun giveaway – thanks for the chance to love!

    My hubby is from Chadron, NE and they have a fabulous community co-op – one of my FAVORITE places to visit when we head to NE to see his family.

    I also love our Farm & Art market – although it’s not convenient (day/time) to where I live, I love the opportunity to visit when I can and pick up some good, good food! Always great art exhibits too – such a cool place!

  • Megan September 8, 2010, 4:19 pm

    What a great giveaway!

    My favorite local business is The General Store in Harvard, MA. I grew up in Harvard always going there and buying penny candy. I’ve watched this local business- the only store in town- grow from being a small candy and milk shop to now a coffee, fresh bread, fresh fish, and food speciality store. It never lost their small town charm though. Walking in- it still looks and feel the same. And it’s been around since 1896!!
    Check it out: http://www.harvardgeneralstore.com/

  • Amber September 8, 2010, 4:21 pm

    My favourite local business is a tiny grocery store in our city called “Gourmet Greens” it’s very small and charming and locally owned! It was within walking distance from our old apartment so when we didn’t have a car 2 years ago we would walk there for groceries all the time. We don’t shop there as much anymore since now we live across the city but anytime I’m in that area I pop in to buy something 🙂

  • Dana September 8, 2010, 4:23 pm

    I just graduated college and moved to minneapolis in search of a job. . . So I’m not too familiar with the area yet, but I have stumbled upon a great little food co-op that I’m sure I will become a ‘regular’ at! It’s great to have access to stuff like this because I grew up in the middle of no-wheres-ville! Happy Blogging!xo

  • Christa September 8, 2010, 4:28 pm

    My fav small business is the one my boyfriend is starting, mobile vehicle repair! He comes to you to work on your vehicles.

  • rebecca September 8, 2010, 4:33 pm

    my favorite local business is this little gourmet supermarket 3 blocks from my apt. They have fresh prepared food every day for lunch and dinner, along with everything else you may ever need, all in a small little space. Every time i am there and it is crowded, I think, why don’t they move to a bigger space? but i think that would negate the charm and neighborhood feel the shop has had for over 30 years!

  • Eliza September 8, 2010, 4:33 pm

    Wow, I could definitely use a little life coaching right now. I feel like my life is a little out of whack since I graduated college.

    My favorite small business is the cozy little ski and snowboard shop my BF worked at in Western Maine. It is called Happy Tunes. It is one of those places that you can go in and everyone knows your name and which skis are yours. A lot of the time, I have seen the owner make hot chocolate or coffee for regular customers.

  • Cait September 8, 2010, 4:35 pm

    Great giveaway, I hope I win! 🙂
    I have just moved to a new city and started graduate school, so I don’t really know my new city that well. but so far I have been to the Saturday farmer’s market, and I love it! there are so many fresh and local foods that I am already hooked. I will be sad when it ends in late October.

  • Tasha - The Clean Eating Mama September 8, 2010, 4:37 pm

    I don’t need a shopping coach… I just wanted to say that I love when chef’s go out of their way to make a special dish. =) That burger looked fantastic!

  • Michelle @ Give Me the Almond Butter September 8, 2010, 4:40 pm

    What a cool giveaway!

    I love Glenwood’s. It’s a mom ‘n pop diner right near campus. It’s absolutely fabulous 🙂

  • Emma September 8, 2010, 4:42 pm

    My favorite local business is a cupcake store called Sweet Mandy B’s, they make the most delicious cupcakes in Chicago!!

  • Jen F. September 8, 2010, 4:44 pm

    My favorite local business is LaLa Handbags – they sell an assortment of handbags, wallets and accessories!! It’s a girls dream come true walking in the front door!! 🙂

  • Ashley September 8, 2010, 4:45 pm

    My favorite local business is a restaurant called Adams Avenue Grill, they make the best, freshest food, all out of local ingredients.

  • Kathryn September 8, 2010, 4:47 pm

    I’ve been following you on twitter for a while now and I’m just starting to poke around your blog and LOVING IT! I just watched your today show interview the other day too, you looked and sounded so amazing. I love how you can “meet” cool people on blogs.

    I’m starting a yoga teacher training program and I’m looking forward to getting the Operation Beautiful book for some food for though to share while teaching. That is my favorite part of yoga, the wisdom you get form the teachers.

    Here in Sacramento CA my favorite local business is, of course, my yoga studio Zuda Yoga. Power yoga to the max. They have awesome podcasts too on the website zudayoga.com. I also love our local vegan cafe Sugar Plum Vegan. Sweet Potato Avocado Panini – nuff said.

  • J3nn (Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) September 8, 2010, 4:48 pm

    Yum, you rlunch looks so good! I probablyw ould have picked the exact same things. 🙂

    Jenn

  • Neen@Broad Bean to Runner Bean September 8, 2010, 4:51 pm

    hey hey your feed hasnt been coming throuhg on my blog roll since the “wish i may” post on Tuesday! how bizarre, i thought you hadn’t been blogging!

  • Chelsea September 8, 2010, 4:53 pm

    I love Bashful Banana. It is a vegetarian & vegan cafe. They have ‘bananawhips’ which are just frozen bananas through a food processor. Delicious and you can add other fruits too.

  • bobbileigh September 8, 2010, 4:55 pm

    I love local antique shops.

  • Mia September 8, 2010, 4:59 pm

    My favorite local business is Beechlawn Organic farm in Galway Co. Ireland. I volunteered there this summer and saw first hand how much work goes into organic vegetable farms. They really a lot on community support and volunteer helpers but give back so much in return.

  • Nikka B September 8, 2010, 5:02 pm

    I love my local dance studio, Heartbeat House. They offer yoga, samba, strength-training and dance classes! My favorite is their Monday night: Awesome 80’s Dance Party! The atmosphere is non-competitive, friendly and sweaty!

  • Jen September 8, 2010, 5:03 pm

    Mojo Spa in Chicago is my favorite local business.
    It is a spa that specializes in homemade, all-natural and organic beauty products…a lot are made with food and work wonders for your skin!!!!

  • sarah September 8, 2010, 5:05 pm

    My favorite small business is this wonderful family-owned italian restaurant called Cafe Buonaro. The food is delicious and they really make you feel so welcome everytime you eat there.

  • Cathy September 8, 2010, 5:07 pm

    My favorite business is a local restaurant called JaDa’s they make fresh salads and sandwiches.

  • Bee Goes Bananas September 8, 2010, 5:33 pm

    That asparagus dish looks absolutely divine! I think I’ll make some for dinner tonight! 😀

  • Arlene @ Adventures in Weight Loss September 8, 2010, 5:34 pm

    I’m a food editor for the local newspaper in Flagstaff, Arizona, so I get a chance to try all kinds of local businesses. One that I’m loving right now is Burrito Burger. It serves a delicious green chili cheeseburger wrapped in a tortilla … with a side of to-die-for green chili cheese fries. Can’t eat it very often when I’m trying to be healthy, but I do like to indulge.

  • Talia September 8, 2010, 6:00 pm

    My favorite local business is my local gluten free store, where the owners are beyond helpful, and all the food is gluten free!

  • Lisa (bakebikeblog) September 8, 2010, 6:00 pm

    ooh what a tasty lunch indeed! I can see why it is going on the specials board!

  • Meghan September 8, 2010, 6:00 pm

    I am lucky to live in an area with a lot of small businesses, but one of my favorites is a local independent bookstore. They have a great selection of books and will order you anything that they may not have in the store. The neighborhood is so supportive that the Barnes and Nobel on the same street failed while this bookstore still is still thriving! Score one for the little guys.

  • Natalie September 8, 2010, 6:01 pm

    What a great contest! My favorite local business is an Italian place named, Luigi’s. Their rolls are to die for!

  • katie September 8, 2010, 6:03 pm

    I adore the local bookstore in my neighborhood. it also has a cafe with delicious baked goods- what more can a reader ask for?

  • Yin September 8, 2010, 6:11 pm

    My favorite local business is actually the Lexington Co-op in Buffalo, where I went to school. I love love the different flours they have there — I stood there just in awe at all of them. It’s a small place that sells organic products and despite it being expensive, I love it and wish I was there again 🙂

  • Emily C. September 8, 2010, 6:13 pm

    My favorite local business is a hardware/natural foods store. It is such a great store inside a storefront that maybe doesn’t look as great as it could, but that is part of the charm. You can find anything there! It’s fun to go explore and see what they have.

  • MoniMeals September 8, 2010, 6:19 pm

    What a great day you had! Love the first sightings of Fall, no here in LA just yet:) My favorite local business is always a restaruant that is family owned for decades. Where they now how to treat the customers, make the food so well, and give you that all-around awesome dining experience. 🙂

  • Jessica September 8, 2010, 6:19 pm

    My favorite local business is a health food store called “Mama Jean’s” here in Springfield, MO. All the employee’s are very helpful and informative. There aren’t very many vegan friendly places in Springfield, but the workers there have made a bulletin board of accomodating restaurants or restraunts with veggie options.

  • Jen September 8, 2010, 6:24 pm

    My favorite small business is the small cafe my mom just took over ownership of! I quit my job to run it full-time and love it so far! I have so much more respect for small businesses given both my mom and dad run their own business (mom-restaurant; dad-floorcovering). I support small businesses whenever possible!!

  • Julie @ Wearing Mascara September 8, 2010, 6:28 pm

    How funny – I was just thinking how I need to learn how to make a better grocery list! My favorite local business (which is new to me!) is Stauffer’s at Kissel hill in Lancaster. It’s an awesome grocery store!

  • Heidi G September 8, 2010, 6:37 pm

    My favorite small, local business is a mediterranean cafe called Olive Tree. They serve awesome Mediterranean food that is always fresh and tasty.

  • Alicia September 8, 2010, 6:40 pm

    I *should* say my favorite small business is our family business. But to be honest right now it’s not. We are in a very busy time period right now and it’s kind of stressful.

  • Britton September 8, 2010, 6:42 pm

    One of my best friends has a boutique that I adore! She started it from scratch and it’s attached to my second favorite store, a coffee shop with local organic food. Cute clothes and organic clothes are very hard to find in a small Tennessee town, so I love them!

  • haley September 8, 2010, 6:54 pm

    What an incredible idea! I’m not sure if I quite understand what you mean by ‘small/local business’ correctly so I’m going to tell you about two of my favorites.

    One is actually an organization called Kanu Hawai’i, which focuses on creating sustainable, compassionate, resilient communities in Hawai’i. They focus on eating locally rather than importing and host the “Eat Local” Challenge once a year (challenging people to eat 100% local foods for just 7 days–MUCH harder than it seems!).

    The other local business that came to mind (which falls more into the category described by everyone else) is my local market, Pukalani Superette, which I grew up visiting at least once a week. My classmate’s family started the store over 50 years ago so I love that I know exactly where my resources are going. They have a great selection of local produce and I always see someone I know when I shop there.

  • MaryBe September 8, 2010, 6:57 pm

    My favorite small business is – mine and my husband’s! We have a tree service that we do in our spare time (my husband works a full time job besides the tree work). He loves being an arborist.
    I would love to win one of the packages as I am newly vegan (17 days and counting) and I feel like I could really use some help

  • elaine! September 8, 2010, 6:58 pm

    My favorite local business is the Reno Sandwich Factory. They make great sandwiches, and the main cook knows we have a huge sweet tooth, so he’ll test out all sorts of new brownie creations on us!

  • Angela September 8, 2010, 6:58 pm

    My favorite small business is the Sunflower Drive-In in Fair Oaks, Ca. It is a vegetartian “fast-food” restaurant that has been in the same spot for over 30 years. I remember going there as a kid during my parents’ vegetarian phases, going with friends in high school when we all thought we were “hippies” in our Birkentocks and tie-dye shirts, and now I get to take my children there to eat outside at the picnic tables among the roaming chickens. A true landmark eatery!

  • Ashlyn September 8, 2010, 7:05 pm

    My favorite small business is an awesome little bakery in Greensboro, NC: Delicious. It’s perfectly named because everything there is absolutely delicious! They’re our go-to spot for birthdays, anniversaries, parties, and when we just flat-out get a hankering for a sweet treat!

  • Jenny September 8, 2010, 7:05 pm

    This is such a cool idea! My favorite small business is a local food co-op called The Merc (Mercantile) in Lawrence, KS. They have an amazing selection, and tell how far everything was grown from the store (ie, potatoes grown at a farm 20 miles away.)

  • Emily September 8, 2010, 7:08 pm

    Awesome giveaway! I have two favorites: Sweet Action ice cream (conveniently located a few blocks from my house in Denver, CO) creates amazing flavors that change daily! They use local ingredients and they always have some crazy new flavor. My other favorite is Maple City Market in Goshen, IN. It is a co-op health food store. I used to work there and it still sticks out in my memory as a great job to have. It was such fun to work with healthy food, meet local farmers, and meet the locals who came back day after day. Yeah for local businesses!

  • Holly September 8, 2010, 7:15 pm

    Heinrich’s farm! It’s just an old lady and her husband who sell their veggies/fruits from their (huge) garden at a roadside stand. Cheap, fresh, and the couple is so cute!

  • Hannah September 8, 2010, 7:17 pm

    My favorite local business is Tidal Creek, a co-op in Wilmington, NC. It carries local, organic, and hard to find health products. They also have classes on cheeses, wines, and supplements! It’s great!

  • Jenny September 8, 2010, 7:31 pm

    I hate to toot my own horn but my favorite small business is the animal hospital I work for. It has 11 employees and is my second family. I love working for a small business!! Being one of the three vets in a family-style practice is a wonderful experience!!

  • Kelly September 8, 2010, 7:31 pm

    Right now I really love my local hardware store. Ever since buying a house last year it’s been a lot more convenient to go to our local hardware store and I’ve found the prices are comparable to bigger stores and the customer service is a lot better! They are actually willing to tell me about what I am about to buy or help me figure out what I need. Any local farm would be a close second, nothing beats local food!

  • Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman September 8, 2010, 7:32 pm

    Oh my goodness, this is an awesome giveaway! My favorite local business right now is a pizza place called Pupatella by me. It’s so small but authentic and it makes the best pizza I’ve eaten in my area.

  • Emma September 8, 2010, 7:32 pm

    My favorite local business is one that grooms my dog. Not only do they groom him, but they keep him all day and have a recreational area where someone actually throws toys to him and let’s him run around supervised while I’m at work!

  • Michelle September 8, 2010, 7:35 pm

    My favorite local business is The Seasoned Kitchen, which is a fun store nestled in the heart of downtown. They sell products and offer nightly cooking classes. I easily spend a ridiculous amount of time (and could easily spend money) there!

  • Cassy September 8, 2010, 7:37 pm

    My favourite local business is in the townI grew up in – Mission, BC, Canada. Grab-a-Java has the best coffee I have ever had, ever. And they are fair-trade and roast their own beans!

  • Jessica September 8, 2010, 7:40 pm

    My favorite local business is a little store in my neighborhood called Lucky Farms. The store is full of fresh fruit and vegetables that are from local farms and are mostly also pre-cut. They also carry an assortment of natural and/or organic foods – pastas, rices, spices, soups, snacks, etc. Outside the store, they sell gorgeous fresh flowers, and they are in walking distance from my house. They are a little more expensive than the supermarket, but it’s definitely worth it.

  • Leigh September 8, 2010, 7:54 pm

    My favorite local business is a restaurant called The Pita House.

  • Leigh September 8, 2010, 7:56 pm

    My favorite local business is a restaurant called the Pita House. It is owned and operated by a Middle Eastern family, and they have amazing tabouli, hummus, falafel, and their own homemade pita. They are one of the most popular spots in my town. It’s my favorite place to eat period:)

  • Sara September 8, 2010, 8:00 pm

    My favorite local business, is the CSA farm that we belong to. I enjoy the fresh organic produce all summer long. The vegetables actually taste so much better than what I can get from the grocery store.

  • kathleen September 8, 2010, 8:02 pm

    how fun! my favorite local business is a little ice cream shop down the street that churns their own ice cream fresh right in the store everyday!! it makes my heart feel good… my wallet and my waistline, not so much 🙂

  • Shannon September 8, 2010, 8:04 pm

    My favorite local business is a restaurant here in Coeur d’Alene area called The Porch. They make a slammin bean and jalepeno burger. I love restaurants that have more clever vegetarian recipes rather than just pasta and salads.

    What a fun giveaway!

  • Christa September 8, 2010, 8:04 pm

    My favorite local business is the local grocery coop – they have the best tofu sandwiches!

  • darryn (brio.gusto) September 8, 2010, 8:11 pm

    My favorite small local business is probably the corner store that was right near my old apartment. It’s not exactly the *best* store, but it has the basics, and I found myself in there a lot. It’s owned by this sweet Persian family, who recognize me and ask how I’m doing every time I come in. One day during the crunch time for my thesis, the shop owner asked me in earnest if I was doing okay (I guess I looked tired and stressed – I was!). It immediately cheered me up. It’s those personal touches that really make the difference.

  • mary September 8, 2010, 8:12 pm

    my favorite local place is called Crepe Myrtle Cafe. It’s part of a nursery and small produce market. They sale local produce an the food is amazing. The also make fresh baked goods daily and have free wifi!

  • carly September 8, 2010, 8:13 pm

    My favorite local business is probably my old gym where I used to live. They were great and had a ton of different options, indoor track, sand volleyball, basketball, raquetball, tennis, indoor and outdoor pool, etc. I really miss it!

  • Christine September 8, 2010, 8:16 pm

    My favorite small business is a small Mediterranean restaurant called Al-Amir. The owner is always friendly and the food is amazing and healthy.

  • r September 8, 2010, 8:18 pm

    If you are lucky enough to catch the Harvest Moon Grille at the Charlotte regional farmers market on a sat morning, they have great ALL local food used from right at the market!! also Lunas Living Kitchen comes in at a close second for getting my children to actually drink a green smoothie and like it.

  • EL September 8, 2010, 8:19 pm

    My favorite local business is Chuck’s Natural Food Market. Not only can I get my food there, I can get healthy food for my cats too.

  • Stacey K. September 8, 2010, 8:21 pm

    i love a Gainesville business called EarthPets. My dog has a sensitive stomach and allergies and they provide me a holistic approach to dog food and treats!

  • Casper September 8, 2010, 8:21 pm

    I am from Baltimore and I love Falls Road Running. They are a great place to buy running gear, plus they are very active in the community.

  • Lisa @ Early Morning Run September 8, 2010, 8:24 pm

    First, your lunch looks delicious!!

    My favorite small business is in a different state than the one I live in! It’s Cherry Republic! A great Michigan business that’s grown quite a bit since the founder started selling shirts from the trunk of his car! It’s all centered around Michigan’s prize crop of cherries and I absolutely love visiting their store in Glen Arbor, tasting their treats and trying the wine! They have a great sense of humor too, which is awesome!

  • Elizabeth September 8, 2010, 8:26 pm

    My favorite local business here in Annapolis, MD is The Palate Pleasers (http://palatepleasers.com/). They are a catering company that uses fresh, whole ingredients. They also operate a store front where they sell their homemade baked goods, as well as salads, sandwiches, etc. They food is AMAZING and I hope to use them for my wedding (someday!).

  • sarah (the SHU box) September 8, 2010, 8:27 pm

    local yogurt!!! my fave tart fro yo place with fantastic (and local!) toppings. just 3 lcoations, and the quality is always there.

  • Allie September 8, 2010, 8:35 pm

    I live in Austin, TX, where there are tons of small, local businesses. It’s so much fun to support something I know isn’t a chain and is instead, built and run with love from local Austinites. While there are many places I enjoy going to, I think my favorite would have to be this little Italian restaurant called Mandola’s. They use fresh, local ingredients and it is seriously to die for!

  • Jennifer September 8, 2010, 8:36 pm

    What a neat idea for a giveaway!

    My favorite local or small business would have to be any of the locally owned restaurants in our area. The food is always good and the prices are usually lower than the chain restaurants in our area.

    Thanks for the opportunity!

  • Jen September 8, 2010, 8:40 pm

    My favorite small business in the world is a cafe where I grew up in Fort Worth(great food, not so good for you though!). What inspires me about it, is that it was started in a gas station because that was the only business license he could get after emigrating from South Africa. No matter how insanely busy the place is, he treats every customer like they are old friends. I live in Houston now, and have yet to find a place that matches his customer service.

  • Lauren @ laurenINlawrence September 8, 2010, 8:44 pm

    I am all about this lovely local bakery in Overland Park, KS called 3 Women and an Oven. They were the first of the fancy-schmancy bakeries in Kansas City and it is awesome! The best carrot cake and frosting around…and I’m quite the critique 🙂

  • susan September 8, 2010, 8:52 pm

    I have several local restaurants near my home that I frequent!

  • Claire September 8, 2010, 8:55 pm

    My favorite local restuarant is part grocery store/part restaurant. You can get tons of organic food there and breakfast lunch or dinner! They have great healthy options on the menu!

  • Heidi September 8, 2010, 9:01 pm

    my favorite small business(es) are my two favorite yoga studios – one is owned by a husband/wife couple (anusara/vinyasa) and the other is owned by a single mom (hot vinyasa) who also sells juice cleanses. Both studios are so different but i absolutely love frequenting them for the yoga benefits but also because it supports small business owners!

  • Molly September 8, 2010, 9:03 pm

    There’s a farmer’s market at the hospital I study at in Harlem. The hospital gives patients “prescriptions” for the farmers market by giving coupons so they can buy fresh food despite the lack of healthy grocery options in the area. I love visiting it and think it really is wonderful to see a market in a low income area. By far something I think everyone should support!

  • Charlotte September 8, 2010, 9:04 pm

    I love this giveaway! Hm, there’s a small local business I love that specializes in Chinese hand-pulled noodles near my house that I absolutely LOVE – it makes such a difference to have fresh noodles instead of the packaged kind.

  • Britt September 8, 2010, 9:05 pm

    Wow! this giveaway sounds amazing! My favorite local business right now (seeing as I just moved to PA) is this small ice cream/yogurt store right near my job. It is yummy!!

  • Kristi September 8, 2010, 9:09 pm

    Great giveaway! As a counselor myself, I believe in overall wellness so I completely support this! My favorite local business is Sangoma- Healing a Community. Chonteau brings an assortment of herbal creations from cooking spices, teas, extracts to bath and beauty products. She creates all of her herbal blends and they are infused with the energy of this very powerful Woman. I love her herbal hot tea blends it helps with such a variety of issues for woman! Such a unique natural helpful business, love it!

  • kirsten September 8, 2010, 9:14 pm

    my favorite small business is a natural cafe around the corner from me. the food and atmosphere are great, and they offer a lot of vegetarian options.

  • Kayla @ Lets Live Wholesome September 8, 2010, 9:22 pm

    My favorite small business is a local ice cream shop. It’s just down the road, but utterly delicious! I live in a suburb, but they win “best ice cream in the city” every year! Totally delish 🙂

  • Anita September 8, 2010, 9:25 pm

    My favorite small business is a small tea shop in my town. The people there are FANTASTIC. I usually never know what I want so I just describe what I am craving or how I am feeling and they will brew me up a pot. Once I wasn’t sure what I thought and before I could even say that I would drink it anyway the guy whipped it out of my hand and made me a better drink.

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing September 8, 2010, 9:25 pm

    My favorite small business is a local health food’s store called Garners!

  • Julia September 8, 2010, 9:26 pm

    My favorite small business is what I call the fruit & veggie man. The name is actually 3 Pea in a Pod and I am there very often. The owner is very friendly and answers any questions you have and even helps me pick out the best of what I’m looking for.

  • Stephanie J September 8, 2010, 9:28 pm

    I’m going to put two! One is for a company called The Unseen Bean. The owner was blind since birth and had trouble finding coffee apprenticeships but was able to achieve his dream of the perfect roast.

    And for the second… I’m going to go with writers everywhere! I think a lot of people think of writing as a hobby but they don’t realize that we’re technically also small business owners. 🙂

  • erika September 8, 2010, 9:33 pm

    mine is a local coffee shop down the street called the coffee emporium. I love walking my big mastiff the half mile and sitting outside under the pergola in the back. its so cute and relaxing.

  • Jess September 8, 2010, 9:34 pm

    What a great give-away! I love Martha Beck.

    My favorite small business is a restaurant in Greenfield, MA called The People’s Pint. They brew their own beer, support local farms, and give a discount to customers who ride their bikes instead of driving.

  • Amanda September 8, 2010, 9:42 pm

    My absolute favorite local business has to be Poverty Bay Coffee in Federal Way, WA. In addition to the amazing shade grown, micro-brewed beans they use and cold brewed espresso they offer, they also have an fabulous breakfast and lunch menu with unique specials and sandwich selections!

  • Sally Mae September 8, 2010, 10:10 pm

    Well, that’s an easy one!! My husband owns & operates his own alternative arts & culture publication in our small town in Wisconsin. He is the most inspiring small business owner I know and I learn something new from him every day. Not only is her incredibly creative, but also manages an office full of diverse employees, and puts on TONS of awesome community events. Although I may be a bit biased;) I love being a part of a small business “family” and admire self-starters very much!

  • Chelsey September 8, 2010, 10:15 pm

    My favorite small business in my area is a bakery called OMG It’s Gluten Free. Not only is it the first of gluten free bakery/cafes in my area, but they are so wonderfully nice.

    The week of my wedding, my bakery backed out and told me they could not make me the small gluten free cake I had requested with our wedding cake order. I was left 5 days before my wedding with no cake for me! I went into the bakery, explained my situation, and they agreed to make me a cake… AT NO COST! They even delivered it for me. I tried to pay, really I did, but the owner insisted I had gone through too much.

    They rock.

  • Alaina September 8, 2010, 10:32 pm

    I think my favorite one here in Gainesville is the famed Satchel’s Pizza! It’s a total dive pizza joint, well-known in this city just because it of it’s amazing thin-crust pizza (and the fact that they will not, to this day, accept credit cards). The walls are hung with local art and almost the same staff has worked there for the past two decades. It’s pretty incredible. One of our goals for senior year of college is to eat in “the van,” which is just a really old van they stuck a table in out in front of the restaurant and then painted all psychedelic. Pretty freakin’ cool.

  • Maribeth September 8, 2010, 10:40 pm

    My favorite small business is a small vegan restaurant in downtown Honolulu. It’s so good, even meat-eaters go there for lunch. Now I want some Govinda’s now, lol!

  • Mary September 8, 2010, 10:46 pm

    What an awesome giveaway!! My favorite local business is right here in durham. it’s a small restaruant called Parker and Otis, all of their ingredients are farm to fork fresh and local. organic and very veggie friendly 🙂

  • Ellie September 8, 2010, 10:47 pm

    Great giveaway! My favorite small business is where I used to work in high school; a mediterranean food store. It is family owned and they make the most delicious hummus, tabouli and baba ganoush you could imagine.

  • Sarah September 8, 2010, 10:55 pm

    Wow, great giveaway!! I could really use some coaching.

    My favorite small business is my CSA farm! It is a family-farm, hard-working three generations and they deliver fresh organic produce to hundreds of families in the area that help support the farm through community supported agriculture.

  • Dana September 8, 2010, 10:56 pm

    Where I live, there is an ice cream shop that I have frequented since I was a very small child. It used to be a Friday night treat–the whole family would go together and share one big sundae. You got to spin a wheel to pick the price! Each week, my sisters and I would take turns getting to spin the wheel. Oh the joys of childhood (don’t tell anyone, but I still get great excitement from spinning it!!!). Anyway, it is the only local, non-chain ice cream shop near me. My friends and I all worked there in high school, and I even got them to stop using Styrofoam and start recycling. They buy locally sourced dairy and organic fruit for toppings. Everyone who goes in is a local, and by the time I had worked there for a month, I knew most of the customers and their favorite order. Now that its been years since I have lived at home, I always make a point to go there and share a sundae with my dad (one scoop coffee chip on the bottom, one scoop cotton candy on top, hot fudge layered, no whipped cream, no cherry, just nuts). A tradition that has spanned the last 20 or so years and will always be dear to my heart!

  • Kelly September 8, 2010, 10:57 pm

    My favorite local business is Olive Cafe in Mission Beach, San Diego. The food is delicious and the staff is amazing – so welcoming, and so accommodating to any sort of special request. The cafe used to be a house so it is teensy tiny and super cozy, with awesome patio seating, too. I would eat there every day if I could!

  • Ali September 8, 2010, 10:58 pm

    My in-laws own their own business. They are landscapers and amazing ones at that!!! My FIL works so hard and takes such pride in his work. I always pray that they will have loads of new customers so their business will thrive in this economy!!!
    aleytac@hotmail.com

  • Catherine September 8, 2010, 11:14 pm

    My favorite local business is the Tofu Ya restaurant down the street from my office. Such great food, great prices and they’re so friendly!

  • Victoria September 8, 2010, 11:19 pm

    My favorite local business is a little health food store by my house. They carry yummy, unique, healthy eats and all these great vitamins that are REAL (not all this fake shtuff!).

  • Nikki September 8, 2010, 11:24 pm

    My favorite small business is this local candy shop called Josh Early Candy. They have their own website. There is only 3 of them in the area. They make all their chocolate on the premises. The dark chocolate variety is oh so good!

  • Melissa Q September 9, 2010, 12:09 am

    I love San Francisco Community Acupuncture, in the Mission district. Making a healthy alternative available and affordable to all. I love the concept, the people, and the results. There are new spots cropping up everywhere but this is my favorite. Check them out: http://www.missionsfca.com

  • Jackie September 9, 2010, 12:17 am

    My favorite local business is a coffee shop down the street from me. It’s nice to walk in and have them already know what you want!

  • Katie September 9, 2010, 12:46 am

    My favorite local business is this ice cream place called Cookie Dough creations. It’s ice cream with your choice of cookie dough piled on top. SO. GOOD.

  • Lauren September 9, 2010, 1:04 am

    In Chicago there are some great produce markets all over the city. They are locally-managed places, and have better selection and deals on produce than your standard grocery stores (or TJoes).

    I also love visiting some of the locally owned Mexican taquerias in different neighborhoods I visit. There’s a great Sundays-only market called Maxwell Street Market. It’s a flea market plus stands from actual Chicago taquerias or Mexican restaurants. You can watch them making the tortillas, grilling the meats, etc. Lots of fun!

  • Beth September 9, 2010, 1:10 am

    In portland, the best way to support local businesses is by frequenting the food carts. You get a variety of cuisine at a low cost and the owners reap all the benefits!

  • Katelyn September 9, 2010, 1:19 am

    My favorite local business in Colorado Springs is a coffee shop called Hagia Sophia. They have the BEST chai tea latte!

  • Corinne September 9, 2010, 1:37 am

    My favorite local business is the Isla Vista co-op near the University of California, Santa Barbara. It introduces me to foods I have never tried (or ones that usually aren’t in a “college diet”). Plus, I get so many delicious vegan goodies there!

  • Liz September 9, 2010, 3:54 am

    My favorite local business is the local used book store. Just the smell walking in makes me smile.

  • Julia @ Brit Bride September 9, 2010, 4:24 am

    Hi Caitlin

    My favourite small local business is the small wedding dress shop Heart of Durham, where I bought my wedding dress. I was convinced I needed to go to the big stores in London to find the right dress, but I was wrong! I found my dream dress within about 10 minutes and the level of personal service has far surpassed what I could have expected from a London store, without London prices.

    Local businesses ROCK!

    Julia
    http://www.britbride.com

  • Holly M September 9, 2010, 5:55 am

    My favorite business is in Westminister, MD and its Baugher’s Restaurant. It’s a down home country restaurant and they have an orchard only a mile away from the restaurant. Cheap prices too!!

  • greenbean September 9, 2010, 6:59 am

    i love our local Brookhaven Bistro. the best homemade pita breads and soups!

  • Carol-Angela September 9, 2010, 7:00 am

    My favourite local business is called Bella Fresca. Its an Italian style coffee shop and deli. It sells all italian pasta, different cheeses and meats and great coffee. Its a little piece of Italy in Scotland!

  • Lori September 9, 2010, 7:06 am

    I have a number of favorite local businesses, but right now I would say my top favorites are 1. the family owned mechanic shop who treat me so well regarding car repairs and 2. my veterinarian

  • lisampls September 9, 2010, 7:10 am

    there is a bakery about 3.5 miles from our home that does stuff the old school way. small selection. butter, sugar, chocolate. the way baked goods are meant to be! i can’t help but “support” them every now and then.

  • healthy ashley September 9, 2010, 7:31 am

    OPY is my fave!

  • Teisha September 9, 2010, 7:45 am

    There is a local restaurant called Chop’s. The owner’s daugther went to school with my daughter. They are the nicest people, great food and ALWAYS accomodating no matter how busy they are !

  • Astrid September 9, 2010, 7:46 am

    My favorite local store is the bike store run by a great couple near the University of Michigan central campus in Ann Arbor. They understand that it’s about commuting in a congested neighborhood and that what we need is reasonable priced bikes and stuff for the family, not preparing for the Tour de France with spandex. The owners even bring a family of chihuahau dogs to the store every day!

  • Monika @ ForeverImprovingGirl September 9, 2010, 8:00 am

    My absolutely favourite local small business is Panacea, a 100% vegan supermarket in Toronto. Everything they sell is vegan and ethically sourced, and they have soooo many awesome and yummy foods. Makes being vegan in this city ridiculously easy.

    And I love knowing that my money is going to a place that is aligned with my own ethics.

  • Michelle September 9, 2010, 8:16 am

    My fave small local business is the coffee shop down the street from me! They’re so nice and have a great vegetarian friendly menu and you can taste how fresh everything is!

  • Kara September 9, 2010, 8:19 am

    My favorite small business is this DELICIOUS little Thai restaurant in our strip-mall ridden town. It’s a little friendly oasis around here!

  • ashley nicole September 9, 2010, 8:20 am

    After moving back to my hometown (a small really rural community) from a big city from college, I was sad to have left all the yummy eateries of the city that were so convenient. I came home to find Nil’s Bakery, a new mediterranean style bakery with the best food (& yummy desserts and coffee). It’s so nice to walk in and have the owners know and spoil you. They are the sweetest couple and have worked so hard to build a business that is always packed.

  • ashley nicole September 9, 2010, 8:20 am

    After moving back to my hometown (a small really rural community) from a big city from college, I was sad to have left all the yummy eateries of the city that were so convenient. I came home to find Nil’s Bakery, a new mediterranean style bakery with the best food (& yummy desserts and coffee). It’s so nice to walk in and have the owners know and spoil you. They are the sweetest couple and have worked so hard to build a business that is always packed.

  • Andrea September 9, 2010, 8:25 am

    My favorite local business is Cotton Babies. While they have a large internet following, their only store is less than 10 miles from my home. In addition to cloth diapers – which are healthier for my son than disposables – they have lots of items to support the breastfeeding mom – another choice that his best for my son’s health and wellness for life. The employees are like family and so very helpful and wonderful and they know me.

  • MorganM September 9, 2010, 8:26 am

    My favorite small business is a little private owned health & wellness store in town… I live in a town far far away from any sort of big city so the healthy food selection is slim… but this place is great! They carry chia seeds, protein powder and dulse…things I can just run in and get instead of always having to purchase online.

  • tamicka September 9, 2010, 8:49 am

    my favorite local business is the honest weight food co-op. It opened my eyes to so many new products and they have a bulk section that is out of this world.

  • Sara September 9, 2010, 8:56 am

    My favorite local busines is the restaurant Almost Home. Delicious every time!

  • Erin H September 9, 2010, 9:17 am

    My favorite local business is our local coop. They offer so many amazing and hard to find products. Their bulk food section is amazing!

  • Carolyn C. September 9, 2010, 9:30 am

    I love this small, quaint restaurant near our house, Patty’s Place. Homemade food and cute setting! Great giveaway!

  • Ashley Marble September 9, 2010, 9:41 am

    First of all, I just came upon your website a few weeks ago and have been so thankful. I really appreciate the little nuggets of wisdom that you impart! I have noticed things I read from your blog pop in my head throughout the day as I am choosing what to eat or facing an injury from running. I have felt really defeated in weight loss and running the past eight months or so, but the information you share on your blog has been a huge motivating force daily. THANK YOU! I look forward to following! AND, I promise I didn’t just write that to suck up and get chosen…ha! I thought I would just lump it all into one comment!

    Second…love the giveaway and am looking forward to learning more about her services! My favorite local business is called Brooks Smith Security. Yes…RANDOM….Yes…has nothing to do with food or health. After I read your blog this morning I couldn’t think of who to mention until I received a phone call from them this morning. They are a small company with a couple of employees that provide security systems for other small businesses (such as the one I work for). Yesterday we had tornadoes in Dallas and they called to make sure everyone in our office was ok as well as check in on our security system. They don’t rush to get off the phone, but will have a 30 min conversation with you. GREAT home town Dallas man that loves what he does and loves the people he serves!

    • Caitlin September 9, 2010, 10:16 am

      <3 thank you so much

  • Dana September 9, 2010, 9:54 am

    My favorite small business is called Companion Extraordinaire in Richmond, VA. A woman from my church owns this business and she places nurses and care-takers with elderly and/or sick patients who need constant care. After my mom was laid off last year she started working with this business and absolutley loves it.

  • Katerina September 9, 2010, 9:58 am

    There is a restaurant near us where our cabin is that me and my husband absolutely love. They change the menu a few times a year and are very ingredient restricted since they are on an island but the food is fabulous and we are friends with the owners.

  • Erin September 9, 2010, 10:01 am

    My favorite local business is an icecream shop called Sundaes. They make all of their icecream and waterice homemade and it is the best tasting icecream I have ever had in my life. The own spends all morning making creations from REAL ingredients..I also worked there when I was in high school! Mmm I still have dreams of their coconut chocolate chip waterice or delicious pumpkin icecream with swirls of cinnamon.

    I also have a favorite non-profit: the Animal Welfare Association. They are so amazing with the dogs and cats…we rescued my puppy there and he brings so much joy to our lives! I love them because they save animals from high-kill shelters down south and are zero-kill. They found over 200 dogs a home in August alone!

  • Nicole September 9, 2010, 10:05 am

    My fave local spot is called Cupcake creations, they serve a great lunch and you get two free mini cupcakes with your order! They are the perfect bite size dessert. I also love a local organization called Partners for Active Living. The name says it all! They also run our local Girls on the Run chapter!

  • Jen September 9, 2010, 10:26 am

    I have two favorites – my favorite local place is Cheese Traders in South Burlington, VT. They have a lot of local cheeses and wines, and lots of other goodies, generally at really great prices. I’m also a HUGE fan of Nutsonline.com. It’s a small, family run business that carries some of the most amazing nuts/nut butters/snack products, and they have ridiculously good customer service. I had to mention them because anyone can shop there (clearly)!

  • Alyssa September 9, 2010, 10:27 am

    My favorite local business is Charm City Run. They have tons of free events like nutrition talks and yoga in the park, and I am training for my first marathon with their training group. I feel like it’s my second home!

  • Erika September 9, 2010, 11:41 am

    It may seem a little weird but my favorite local business to support is our hardware store. It had closed a few years ago and since has been able to reopen. Whenever I need something I try to find it there first and the people are always so nice and helpful.

  • Amy September 9, 2010, 11:52 am

    My favorite local business is my year-round, full diet CSA farm! Mark and Kristen and all of our farm employees are the sweetest, hardest working farmers out there, striving to reach a net zero energy level on the farm, and using draft horses to do much of the planting and harvesting! And our food is second to NONE! Go, Essex Farm!

  • Laura September 9, 2010, 11:55 am

    I love, love my local grocery store. Great, fresh and local, produce.

  • Hope September 9, 2010, 12:32 pm

    My fav local business is Treats, a local food place in the town of Wiscasset, Maine, where I work. I am so blessed that they are close by. They carry all local food whenever they can. All organic and from local farms. They have two soups daily, one of which is always vegan and lots of fresh healthy salads like beet salad with pom vinagerette & green bean/heirloom tomatoe salad. I love Treats and could not imagine Wiscasset without them. We’d be left with nothing but fried clams and lobster rolls;)

  • ashleigh September 9, 2010, 12:33 pm

    I would love to win this!

    Let’s see… I think my favorite local business is berry freeze.. a self serve fro yo place.. I only say this because I am having a hard time thinking of places near me since I spent a majority of my summer out of state… and I really want some fro yo right now 🙂

  • loreejo September 9, 2010, 1:12 pm

    My favorite local business is Brewburger here in Tulsa. It’s owned by a young family w/ a preschooler, they make a lot of their foods from scratch and/or buy locally themselves. It’s a really comfortable atmosphere and they are proud to be “small fries”. They are trying so hard and we’re happy to support them. Oh, plus the food is so good!

  • Jenn September 9, 2010, 1:14 pm

    My favorite local business is Larry’s produce. It’s my local farmstand and has amazingly fresh produce for MUCH less than the grocery store.

  • Meghan September 9, 2010, 2:59 pm

    My favorite local business is a place back home where I grew up called Ryals Bakery. Nothing in there is healthy but my mom would take me for a ‘special treat’ on occasions growing up. It holds a special place in my heart.

  • Meagan September 9, 2010, 4:18 pm

    My favorite local store is in my hometown in Indiana. We have a local herb store, that has extremely good natural products that are affordable and the staff is amazing!

  • Jessica September 9, 2010, 4:59 pm

    My favourite local store is actually called Sleepless Goat Cafe. They believe in a non-heirarchal business structure that emphasizes diversity and a mutually respective environment. This is definitely felt when eating/hanging out there, with people from all walks of life enjoying fair trade coffee or a healthy (using mostly local/organic foods) meal or snack. The thing I actually like most is that they serve you regardless of your economic status, meaning if you cannot afford to eat properly you can go there and enjoy a meal without feeling like you are getting a handout. They provide a great service to the city of Kingston!

  • Crystal Labor September 13, 2010, 12:08 am

    My favorite local restaurant is really close to our house and we frequently go there for breakfast. Brothers Family Restaurant in San Diego! Grandma Jeanie’s Pancakes are THE BEST!

  • NySoonerGirl September 13, 2010, 2:36 pm

    My favorite local business would be the farm down the street from my parents. Service is always great and you can pick the apples and berries yourself. It doesn’t get any fresher than that!

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