This Saturday, November 26th, is “Small Business Saturday,” which is a shopping holiday designated for small companies.
In honor of this event, I would like to highlight just a few of the small businesses I patronize in East Ridge.
Let’s start with dining. A few of the places I go to on a regular basis are Epicurean, Los Potros, and Olive Branch Mediterranean Foods.
Epicurean has been a landmark in East Ridge since 1977 and is owned and operated by John Petros. He, along with his family and staff, offer Greek food as well as southern comfort food. I can always count on seeing a familiar, friendly face when I dine there.
A new restaurant, which opened in May of 2016 by sisters Callie Meta and Faye Boc, is Olive Branch Mediterranean Foods, and if you have not tried it you need to go. It is a unique deli/bakery/grocer that prepares authentic foods to go, eat in or cook/bake at home. It is different from anything we’ve had in East Ridge and walking in there makes you feel as though you have stepped in to another part of the world especially when talking to Callie and Faye.
I crave Mexican food and my favorite Mexican restaurant in East Ridge is Los Potros. They offer a full array of Mexican dishes along with a full bar menu. They have a very friendly wait staff and my friends and I love to gather there to unwind and enjoy a fun evening out together.
After all of this eating, I have to take time to work out. Our House Studio is owned and operated by Christy Chapman and is located at 6101 Ringgold Road, Ste. 107. It is a unique venue that offers Personal Training, Group Classes, Zumba, Barre, Yoga, Women’s Self-Defense and much more. On a personal level, yoga and walking are my regimen of choice and I love the yoga classes there. They offer yoga from beginner to advance and have well trained instructors. You can call the studio for a list of prices and package deals.
The Market Link Gift Shop is owned and operated by April Cordell and is located in the unique and nostalgic old Double Dip Depot Building at 4103 Ringgold Road. The Market Link offers great gifts for all occasions including seasonal items, wedding gifts, baby gifts and personalized items. They carry Tervis Tumblers, Bridgewater Candles, Greenleaf Candles and much more. Free gift wrap is also available which is something I personally love!
Uniforms for America owned and operated by Allen and Gayle Shavin-Taliaferro, offers medical and career apparel, scrubs, t-shirts, caps, embroidery, screen printing and much more. I love this store because they have a huge selection of specialty scrubs and professional footwear. As I re-enter the nursing field, I will take full advantage of the great selection and personalized services Allen and Gayle offer.
In closing, I encourage all my friends and neighbors to take the time to support Small Business Saturday in East Ridge. The money you spend goes back in to our local economy and helps our community thrive. There are so many wonderful small businesses in East Ridge and I encourage you to get out and see for yourself just what small businesses have to offer in our city.
_ Esther Helton
