The 2:30 bell rights, marking the end of what seemed like the hardest math test of your life. Now, the only thing on your mind is where you are going to eat to treat yourself. But, deciding is the hardest part. Often in this situation, fast food seems like the easiest choice. It’s faster, cheaper and more convenient. Most people have found themselves in this exact situation, following their cravings towards convenience, but a ten dollar order supporting a multimillion dollar corporation isn’t always the best option.
According to the U.S Chamber of Commerce, 90% percent of all restaurants in the United States are considered a small business. However, almost 85 million Americans consume fast food every day, often leaving our mom-and-pop shops behind. Choosing to eat local has immense benefits over supporting a large company. All large companies had their humble beginnings and it’s important to help our local places achieve as much success as they can. Large companies cut corners when it comes to spending their wealth, that’s no secret. Choosing a lunch spot isn’t just about where your money goes but how your body reacts to what you consume. Businesses are designed to make money, but when it comes to protecting our health, why take shortcuts?
Large chains often serve pre-packaged and reheated meals that are prepared rather than cooked. Unwanted oils and chemicals, like preservatives, often find their way into our fast food. On the other hand, local restaurants frequently use locally-sourced ingredients, as many of these establishments don’t have the liberty to place mass orders from factories.
To further this idea, locality isn’t just in the food, but in the people as well. Many small businesses are owned and operated by members of the community. You can find Ladue families in our very own school who run restaurants and other businesses. The closeness and feeling of community is what drives each and every place. It’s more than just a restaurant, it’s where you have that late night study session, that morning coffee that’s made just right and even that first date spot. In ten years, that McDonald’s will be the same McDonald’s it has always been, but you’ll remember the times you had in that little hole in the wall.
The sense of community that lives inside local restaurants is near impossible to find in these large million dollar corporations. Business owners struggle every day to draw customers into their doors, and after the pandemic bringing customers in has been harder than ever. Lack of people going out has made it harder for businesses to compete with the online presence many larger businesses have. What many don’t realize is they have a greater impact than they think. Their decision supports families, friends and the whole community. Your choice matters to someone, and even just thinking twice about where your cravings call you can help support the businesses that truly need it.
