Think Out Of Holiday Box To Shop And Dine Local

While Small Business Saturday’s 11th Anniversary on November 28 has come and gone, it is imperative that consumers remain vigilant in their support of small businesses throughout this Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic-impacted holiday season by shopping and dining locally as much as possible—whether done in person or online.

You can still find an amazing mix of unique gifts and exceptional services to purchase for family and friends, while contributing to the well-being of your community’s economy.

This pro-local mantra is especially important for the “mom and pop” restaurants and bars across Illinois that have endured state-mandated restrictions and shutdowns on indoor dining since last March, will forfeit revenue from the cancellation of holiday lunches, dinners and parties, and are limited in their outdoor dining options as winter weather moves in.

Since first indoor dining shutdown last March, the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s “Dine Out” From Home website page has promoted some 90 Elmhurst restaurants and bars that have remained “open for business” by providing their patrons with walk-in takeout, curbside pick-up, drive-thru and/or delivery services.

Accessible via the ECCI website home page’s navigational bar, the “Dine Out” From Home page features the name, address, phone number, hours of operation, both menu and online ordering (if an option) hyperlinks, and service delivery options for each restaurant and bar.

Today, small businesses account for some 30.7 million U.S. businesses (8.7 million minority-owned), employ nearly half (59.9 million) of those working in the private sector and create two out of every three new jobs, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. The food and beverage industry employs some 16 million, ranking No. 1 outside of government jobs.

More importantly, 68% of every $1 spent at a local small business stays in the community, as compared to 44% from a big box retailer.

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