Rutherford Weekly

Thursday, July 20-July 26, 2017 www.rutherfordweekly.com 828-248-1408 Rutherford Weekly - Page 7 Dining out is a great way to celebrate life's milestones or sim- ply reconnect with friends and loved ones. Research fi rm NPD Group found that, by the end of 2015, restaurant visits by con- sumers increased by 700 million compared to just fi ve years prior. While chain restaurants in- vest heavily in advertising, inde- pendently owned restaurants do not have those same resources. Multi-unit chains also have more pull with suppliers and might be able to negotiate better deals, or can spread operational costs across various locations. Too of- ten diners are not aware of the vast array of tasty, well-priced and artisanal foods awaiting them just down the street. But dining out at local eateries can be benefi - cial in various ways. • High-quality food: Many local establishments have com- plete control over their suppliers and menus. As a result, they can be picky with regard to the ven- dors they use and the produce, meats, dairy, and other ingredi- ents that they select. Many small, independently owned restaurants team up with local organic farm- ers and distributors to supply a farm-to-table experience that many diners now enjoy. • Freedom of experimentation: Although chain restaurants may have to meet approval from ad- ministrative boards and market- ing departments before they can introduce new fare, independently owned restaurants can let their diners decide which foods remain on the menu and even adapt to community trends. Local restau- rants may take pride in serving cultural or regional foods. • Ability to customize: Inde- pendently owned restaurants may be more amenable to adapting recipes or making substitutions to meet diners' requests. Skilled local chefs can think on the fl y and modify recipes, which may not always be possible in chain establishments. • Crowd control: Local restau- rants tend to be smaller and more intimate than many chain restau- rants. This can translate into a calm dining experience. When crowds are small, the noise lev- el inside the restaurant may be muted and service may be fast because there aren't as many ta- bles to serve. Furthermore, local establishments, although con- cerned about making a profi t, may be less worried about table turnover rate, preferring to let diners linger if it means repeat business. • Familiar faces: Some diners enjoy being a "regular" at their favorite local restaurants. Local dining spots also become gather- ing locations for residents in the know, instead of passing-through tourists or commuters. Much can be said about the advantages of patronizing local eateries. Men and women who want unique dining experienc- es can give local, independently owned establishments a try. Metro Editorial Call 828-248-1408 to reserve your space on our next Call 828-248-1408 to reserve your space on our next Dining & Entertainment page Dining & Entertainment page publishing the third Thursday of every month. publishing the third Thursday of every month. YOUR GUIDE TO GOOD TIMES YOUR GUIDE TO GOOD TIMES ©Community First Media Community First Media Call Ins Welcome 2190 Poors Ford Rd., Rutherfordton NC 28139 Hours: Tues.-Sat. 6am-8pm 828-247-0644 • Call for directions Best Burger in the County! Just good Just good ole country ole country cooking! cooking! BIG AL'S BIG AL'S o f S h i l o h o f S h i l o h Come in & enjoy our home cooking. You'll be glad you did! Local dining spots foster community Love At First Slice! Love At First Slice! 235 S. Powell Street • Forest City 235 S. Powell Street • Forest City (Corner Broadway & Powell • Across from Florence Bapt.) (Corner Broadway & Powell • Across from Florence Bapt.) 828-247-9009 • 828-247-9008 828-247-9009 • 828-247-9008 Mon.-Sat. 11 11 AM AM -9 -9 PM PM ANY ORDER OF ANY ORDER OF $ 10. 10. 00 00 OR MORE! OR MORE! EAT IN OR EAT IN OR TAKE OUT! TAKE OUT! Celebrating 5 years Celebrating 5 years in business! in business! LOUIE'S CAFE LOUIE'S CAFE $ 1 1 OFF OFF Authentic Mexican Cuisine Authentic Mexican Cuisine Sizzling Fajitas • Enchiladas Supreme Vegetarian Specials • Burritos Delux Daily Lunch Specials • Children's Menu Mon.-Fri. 11-2 & 5-10 • Sat. 12-10 • Sun. 12-9 Shelby Shelby Lenior Lenior Marion Marion Forest City Forest City Kings Mtn. Kings Mtn. 139 S. Washington St. Rutherfordton 828-286-2860 220 Oak St. Extension Forest City 828-288-3600 ©Community First Media Community First Media

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