Big chain establishments may have large followings, but mom and pop restaurants can provide truly unforgettable culinary experiences. With bigger businesses expanding into new locations, many old-time local favorites get pushed out of the picture. Here are three reasons why everyone should eat local and support these smaller businesses.

Why Small Diners Are Better Than Chain Establishments

1. Quality Food

While big chains may come into town sporting fancy dishes and slapping an organic label on their food, mom and pop restaurants don’t rely on marketing gimmicks. French fries made from real, fresh-cut potatoes, homemade bread, burger patties sculpted by hand, and freshly caught seafood are just a few delicious examples.

Big chains can offer decent food, but their finances come before the quality of their products. Chains often order lower quality produce instead of sourcing from fresh farms and bakeries in the area.

2. Personal Service

Small, local businesses and restaurants thrive on making personal connections with members of the community. If you want outstanding customer service, eat local. You’ll likely see the owner helping seat customers, waiting tables, and mopping up spills alongside other employees.

If you support a local diner, you will get to know its story, too. Owners who work directly with the public are willing to share their experiences and build relationships with the people they serve. Rather than waiting for service or otherwise being ignored, you’ll be engaged and entertained throughout the entire experience.

3. Comfortable Atmosphere

Some high-profile chains have removed any sense of comfort to shuffle customers in and out as fast as possible. The dining experience at a typical mom and pop shop involves a steady flow of service from the staff and no rush to get you out the door.

The decor is guaranteed to be unique, rather than the cookie-cutter themes you see in big chains. Many local dives put up pieces of the location’s history or community artwork, and the buildings are often retrofitted from houses.

If you support a local restaurant, you’re guaranteed delicious food, excellent service, and a memorable experience. If you’re in the Wailuku, HI, area, stop by Tasty Crust Restaurant for a hearty meal in a cozy environment. Whether you’re flying solo or out with the whole family, this neighborhood diner has been serving American cuisine, like the area’s best pancakes, since WWII. Call (808) 244-0845 to speak with a team member to find out what’s on the menu.