Many local restaurants involved in Buy Local Network
I hope everyone out there had a good Memorial Day weekend. I heard that the local services held around the county were very moving and really spoke to the people about honoring our soldiers that sacrifice so much for us every day.
Despite a nagging cough and losing my voice, which my husband was only too happy about, I had a great dinner at a local restaurant last Saturday evening to celebrate a good friend’s birthday. We had great service, food and drinks. That got me thinking about the other restaurants around here.
Our area is filled with quite a variety of locally-owned restaurants, many of which are in the Buy Local Network and offer discounts to Buy Local cardholders. Many times you’ll see the owners busing tables, getting drink orders and checking to make sure that each customer’s experience is a good one. The quality of the food is top notch, and the chefs carefully choose their specials and put a lot of time and effort into the products that comes out of their kitchens.
Some of our locally-owned eating establishments also include local produce on their menu when they can, and of course we all know that when we support our local farmers, we are also supporting small businesses in our communities. You can find a listing, although not conclusive, of restaurants in the area that serve locally-grown foods at http://www.buylocalpa.org/southwest.
You’ll also see locally-owned restaurants at many charitable and community events, oftentimes donating their food and services for free or for a reduced price. Check out the restaurants featured in the Buy Local Network at www.buylocalfayette.org and other establishments that aren’t a part of the network. Regardless, it’s all about buying local.
Summer is really starting to heat up with all of the local activities going on. Last week in the “Be Local Buzz” newsletter, there was an article about the 1929 Ford Tri-Motor airplane that will be at the Joseph A. Hardy Connellsville Airport from June 6-9. You can use your Buy Local Card to receive $5 off a ride ticket at the gate. Yes, you can actually go for a ride in the plane. As a matter of fact, next week I’ll have to let you know how exciting it was.
If you would like more information about the Buy Local Network program or the Ford Tri-Motor event, email me at loris@faypen.org.
Lori Ann Scott is a sustainable communities specialist for the Fay-Penn Economic Development Council.