The National Restaurant Association is partnering up with the U.S. Small Business Administration to promote Small Business Saturday. The goal is not only to encourage holiday shoppers to hit small locally owned retailers this weekend, but to eat at their locally owned restaurants too.
Carrie Leishman, president and CEO of the Delaware Restaurant Association says that holiday shoppers this weekend should take the opportunity to support Delaware’s economy by dining at a local restaurant.
“Restaurants are the largest small business employer in the state of Delaware, so there’s nothing better than shopping on Small Business Saturday and it’s natural to think of your local restaurant while you’re out,” said Leishman.
In Delaware, local restaurants make up the largest chunk of small businesses, employing nearly 44,000 First State residents, according to the Delaware Restaurant Association. Restaurants contribute about $3 billion to Delaware’s economy, and nationally, contribute $1.3 trillion, making the industry the country’s second-largest private sector employer.
Leishman adds that Delaware’s local restaurants define the state’s character.
“You know, in this state you’re thinking of corporate businesses, banks, healthcare, but when you think of what adds luster to our state, not only for our economy, but you know, just great place to go, I just can’t think of anything better than restaurants.”
There are more than 1,800 restaurants in Delaware.