Small Business Saturday 2022: Local Businesses We Love at Net Friends

Why We Support Small Businesses

Without a doubt, small businesses are the backbone to every local economy. We celebrate Small Business Saturday on November 26th this year. This annual event is intended to spotlight independent retailers, small dining establishments, and local service providers in our communities. From town to town, people will be strolling down their Main Street to “shop small” this Saturday and into the holiday season.

At Net Friends, we love to see our customers and neighbors in Bull City flourish. We're proud to be a part of the Durham business community since 1997. In fact, we have a deeply rooted history on Durham's own Main Street, where our office was located for 20 years (from 1998-2018, before moving to our new HQ).

From our Main Street to yours, we invite you to support local businesses this holiday season, wherever you are! We're featuring fellow local businesses that our Net Friends staff love to enjoy—from our favorite plant nursery to a rave-worthy Cajun restaurant.

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Local Businesses We Love at Net Friends

Discover our staff recommendations and why we love to celebrate these small businesses:

Angel B., Sales Marketing Coordinator - Esteamed Coffee:

"Esteamed Coffee provides a warm cozy atmosphere to sip on a delicious coffee. Not only does the coffee provide a warm feeling to your stomach it also provides one to your heart when you find out that they provide careers to those with various disabilities. Support their mission to help the community by stopping by for a Latte and Blueberry Danish."

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Christine L., HR Generalist - Gunter's Greenhouse:

"Gunter's Greenhouse is my favorite one stop shop for amazing and healthy plants in Durham. They have all the pretty things you’d expect for your garden, but Gunter’s is also a local hidden gem for rare and hard to find houseplants. Get there early Saturday morning for your chance to snag rare aroids and hoyas!"

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John Snyder, CEO - Atomic Empire:

"Atomic Empire is such a treasure! We buy all our board games and card games there. I shop there for gifts every year, and they are just down the road from the Net Friends office.

Before the pandemic, Joel [our COO] and I sat down at Atomic Empire together and played a game called Dominion in the back of the store, where they have hundreds of sample games to test out. Since then, I've purchased 4 different expansion packs along with the original game. My family and I have played Dominion for numerous hours, creating lasting memories and loads of quality time."

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Alexis F., Financial Specialist - Fischer Kids:

"Family owned and operated for over 20 years, Fischer Kids, a Stride Rite Partner, goes the extra mile when it comes to customer service. Adapting through Covid, they created the "Try Box" program delivering shoes to your home through a try-on service and now proudly ship across the U.S."

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Neelesh Patel, President - Sweet Bumpas:

"Small businesses should embody and represent the communities they are in. Sweet Bumpas' focus on diversity and love makes their cakes all the more sweeter. Including mine!"

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AJ, IT Support Technician - Andia’s Ice Cream:

"Andia’s Homemade Ice Cream is by far my favorite place when it comes to ice cream and just like the name says, everything is homemade and always delicious. They have monthly flavors and specials, which can include Monster Shakes (Pro-tip: do not attempt a Monster Shake alone). My go-to favorite is always Oreo Latte and it never disappoints!"

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Rob C., IT Support Technician - Zog's Art Bar & Pool Hall/Imbibe:

"My shout out goes be Zog's/Imbibe on Henderson and Franklin, Chapel Hill. Best authentic Cajun cuisine in the Triangle, plus they keep the rare Abita on tap. I love Zog's because they have the best billiard tables on Franklin St. Order the Rougarou Rueben, Tempah on Pumpernickel with sauteed onions, hot pickles and homemade thousand island."

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Emily D., Brand Manager - Gocciolina & Osteria Georgi:

"Gocciolina will forever be my favorite Durham restaurant. It's an intimate Italian restaurant with the BEST anti-pasti, specifically the fried eggplant with seasonal garnishings or anchovies on buttered crackers. Their "blackboard" menu changes day-to-day with the freshest local ingredients. I am also a big, big fan of Osteria Georgi, a modern Italian eatery in Chapel Hill, which I should credit John Snyder for introducing me to! Their zero-proof mocktails are delicious, especially the Pompelmo Smash."

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Support Local for the Holidays

The season of giving is snowballing into full-fledge holiday festivities! Consider our local favorites when planning gifts for loved ones. A gift card or visit to one of these local establishments (or any small business) will definitely spark joy all season long!

Quick Recap of Our Favorite Local Businesses:

• Esteamed Coffee (Cary, NC)
• Gunter's Greenhouse (Durham, NC)
• Atomic Empire (Games & Comics in Durham, NC)
• Fischer Kids (Kids Footwear)
• Sweet Bumpas (Cake Bakery in Durham, NC)
• Andia’s Ice Cream (Cary, NC)
• Zog's Art Bar & Pool Hall/Imbibe (Chapel Hill, NC)
• Gocciolina (Restaurant in Durham, NC)
• Osteria Georgi (Restaurant in Chapel Hill, NC)

For more local recommendations, check out last year's staff picks:
‍Small Business Saturday 2021 - Local Businesses We Love at Net Friends

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