Why Eat Locally?

Eating locally isn't just about eating food that's not processed - although that's an incredible perk.  It's also about supporting the local economy.  A lot of business owners become known as "the little man" when places like McDonald's or Burger King set up their own spot right next door. Those big names are taking over the food industry, but that shouldn't be the case.  We want to prove that eating a burger from a local shop like Tailpipes is not only a more delicious option, but one that will help these local business owners thrive.

I mean, come on, which would you rather eat?

Burger King vs Tailpipes

We've acquired the opinion on this matter from many local restaurants that believe in eating locally. Tutto Gelato Cafe is just one of the many, but we'd like to share its feelings.
If you've never been to the quaint cafe hidden in the Suburban Plaza in Morgantown known as the Tutto Gelato Cafe, you're missing out on some great eats.  They serve fresh paninis and mix homemade gelato in their kitchen everyday - and that's in addition to their steamy, hand-frothed lattes.  But why does this matter when you can have a panini and cup of coffee from Panera Bread or get a soft serve ice cream cone from the Dairy Queen in Suncrest? Tutto employee, Emma Hoff explains why it's about much more than convenience in this video:

The Food Fighters know the numerous benefits of eating locally- we try to promote these advantages as best as we can. But who would know better than someone who has worked on the inside of both a corporate chain and a family-owned restaurant?

We also spoke to James Barnhart, an employee who currently works at the Boston Beanery on High Street. James was used to working in small, local restaurants, so when he tried his hand at waiting at a well-known chain (which will remain nameless)... what he saw blew his mind.

"At these corporate places, you lose the person when you're serving, which is losing the real service," James told us. "You are pushed to push, not truly get to know your customers. You have to be superficial, and you have to fill a void."

The point isn't just that you get real, genuine food when you eat at a local restaurant. You also have genuine connections and there is far more of a family feel. The difference is the incentive, according to James: At local restaurants, the whole point isn't just to sell food. It's an entire experience.

It became evident to us after talking to James just how true this was as every customer stopped to say hi and ask how he was doing. Three older men stopped to tell us that they come in to the Boston Beanery every day on their lunch break and wouldn't consider going anywhere else. A woman sitting nearby chimed in that she loves coming in and having the staff already know her order. She told the Food Fighters she feels cared for and valued as a customer at local eats.

Get the local experience.