Support Local Businesses: BIG CHAIR COFFEE in Historic Anacostia

If you haven't been to Big Chair Coffee in Historic Anacostia, or if it has been a while (or a few days) since your last visit, please give them your business. It is important that we support our local businesses, not just because we are in the midst of the biggest economic downturn of our generation but because the deck is so stacked against our local small businesses succeeding. It takes a certain level of bravery, commitment, and vision to open a business now - especially a small business East of the River. Too many people think that our community is a lot cause. How many people expressed doubt that a coffee shop in Anacostia was viable? As if River East residents wouldn't enjoy a place to sit down and enjoy a caramel latte and a sandwich?

When a business fails in Ward 8 or in River East in general, its not just the business owners that loses out, its the community. Not just in the lose of services or products but in that it makes it that much harder or unlikely for another business to take it's place because the perception is reinforced that only fools would open a business in River East. I can think of several corporations who were offered commercial space in Ward 8 and turned the offer down - even an offer for free rent. Is that a lack of confidence in our buying power or what?

So next time you are in mood for a coffee, a caramel latte, some wings, an omelet, some home fries, a slice of cake, or a good old fashioned steak and cheese sandwich, before you head over the bridge how about going down the block to your local small business? Starting a new business has it's challenges (and admittedly sometimes the learning curve can be a little slow) but as long as the community is there to lift them up, provide support, offer some suggestions, and maybe just maybe have a wee bit of patience, our businesses can really thrive and spawn more small business choices.

The Advoc8te is going to try to highlight more of our small businesses here in River East. Lord knows we can't afford them to fail. If they fail - we fail.

With that in mind please support our local small business. Nothing like starting today!