While advancements in transportation and technology have made the world a more convenient place, homegrown small businesses are still an integral part of communities. When you’re looking for affordable, authentic Hawaiian food, shop at a family-run store near you to enjoy the following unique benefits.

3 Reasons to Eat Hawaiian Food at a Mom & Pop Store

1. Cheaper Doesn’t Always Mean Better

Big-box superstores draw in customers because they claim to have the best deals, but is all that price-slashing worth it? In most cases, they can afford to sell at low prices because they produce items in mass quantities. When you buy from a mom-and-pop store, you get authentic Hawaiian food made with local ingredients in a family-run kitchen, so you can feel good about what you put in your loved ones’ mouths.

2. Care & Quality in Every Meal

When you shop in a chain convenience store, you’ll roam the large aisles by yourself deciding between competing big-name brands. When you head to a mom-and-pop store, you’ll be greeted by the food’s creators, who will be happy to point you to their favorites. They can also answer all of your questions in detail, such as whether a dish is safe for a child with allergies. The staff at a family-run store care deeply about your experience and will welcome you back every time.

3. Support an Establishment That Gives Your City Character

Eating at a national or international chain doesn’t offer anything unique—you could be ordering from the same menu as someone hundreds of miles away. When you support a mom-and-pop store unique to your community, you contribute to the fabric of your neighborhood, giving the shop the attention and income they need to thrive. In turn, you’ll support the local economy, showing the city that all of the small, one-of-a-kind shops make the community special.

If you’re interested in eating delicious Hawaiian food close to home, stop by Kawamoto Store in Hilo, HI, today. They’ve served locals for over 70 years, and they know what it takes to fill your belly and put a smile on your face. From convenient bento boxes for eating on the beach to special order catering for large parties, they offer a wide selection of delicious Hawaiian food at affordable prices. Browse their menu on their website, or call (808) 935-8209 to place an order.