All Small Businesses Are Local
Many of us have made a big deal about supporting local small businesses during this time of economic uncertainty, and while I think that is a critical effort, it doesn’t tell the whole story. YES, you should support restaurants and tackle shops and other manufacturers near your home, but if possible please try to mail order from those you’ve encountered in your travels as well.
Last week Hanna and I ordered four pounds of brisket and eight jalapeño cheddar sausage links from Kreuz Market in Lockhart, Texas, which arrived by FedEx. I won’t say that it was 100 percent as enjoyable as if we’d been able to watch pitmaster Roy Perez slice it up himself, but it was close, and better than anything we can get around here.
Eventually, we will be able to travel again, and when we’re able to do so it would be a shame if iconic local businesses were not there to complete the experience, so think about ways to support them. You might not be able to get something from your favorite beachside bar in the Seychelles, or that souvenir market you visited in, but there are plenty of options that can deliver.
We love Kreuz, but Texas Monthly, put together a comprehensive list of their state’s shipping-ready meat suppliers in case you want to try another – or several. We’re dying to try the brisket from little Snow’s BBQ in Lexington.
If you can’t imagine a visit to New Orleans without a breakfast stop in Jackson Square, Café Du Monde will ship to you. Fresh-cooked beignets may not travel well, but you can buy the mix and make your own, along with coffee and souvenirs.
Don’t forget tackle shops, either. As I’ve written before, I’m a big fan of Scottsboro Tackle, but there are other great ones at every major tournament lake. Even at Guntersville, I’ve had credit card testing visits to the Tackle Trap and Guntersville Tackle and Outdoors. If the great shop you remember doesn’t have much of an online presence, call them up – I bet they’ll be able to ship.
Your purchase alone may not be what keeps them in business, but collectively we can do a lot of good (and reap the benefits at home in the meantime – even with two big appetites, it takes a while to go through all of that brisket and sausage).
