Small Business Saturday 2024: Local Businesses We Love at Net Friends

Why We Support Small Businesses

Small businesses are the backbone to every local economy. Supporting small businesses is vital for a thriving community. These businesses are the backbone of local economies, creating jobs and fostering economic growth.

When you choose to shop local, a larger portion of your money stays within the community, benefiting local schools, infrastructure, and other essential services. Small businesses often offer unique products and personalized customer service that larger corporations cannot match. By supporting these businesses, you're not only helping the owners, but also contributing to the vibrancy and character of your neighborhood.

We celebrate Small Business Saturday on November 30th this year! This annual holiday spotlights small businesses and retailers in our communities. Net Friends is proud to be a part of the Durham business community—since 1997. We invite you to support local establishments this holiday season, wherever you live.

Listed below are small businesses our Net Friends staff love to enjoy. Check them out!

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Small Businesses We Love at Net Friends!

Restaurants

Apex Wings, Apex, NC
‍Best wings in the area. – Jack ‍

Breadwaala, Cary, NC

Slow-made sourdough that never misses the mark. - Neelesh

Bombshell Brewery, Holly Springs, NC
‍Great beer and music. - Jack ‍

Chai's Asian Bistro, Raleigh, NC
‍The food is magnificent. - Jamal ‍

Chirba Chirba Food Truck, Triangle Area
‍Some of the best soup dumplings I've ever had! – Olivia ‍

Gocciolina, Durham, NC

Their black-board menu changes daily and they have the most authentic antipasti. - Emily

Indochine, Wilmington, NC

Fantastic Thai food in an environment that makes you feel like you are on vacation somewhere really special. – Gabbie

Juju, Durham, NC
‍Best Asian tapas restaurant in Durham. – Olivia

NOFO, Raleigh, NC

Great reasonably priced food and an awesome gift shop with premade meals. – Will

Raleigh Raw, Raleigh, NC

Great quality fresh food with a chill, down to earth atmosphere. - Jamal

Saltbox Seafood Joint, Durham, NC

Great seafood and don't sleep on the hush puppies! - Gabbie

Samantha's Pupusas, Hillsborough, NC
‍Tiny, humble, and full of genuinely warm people and deliciousness. - Amy

Trophy Pizza + Brewing, Raleigh, NC
‍I always take my parents when they visit, it is a favorite spot of ours. – Olivia

Union Special, Raleigh, NC

A small bakery in Raleigh that hits it out of the park every time. – Jamal

Sweets & Treats

Andia's Ice Cream, Cary, NC
‍My favorite ice cream. - AJ

Mamma Bird's Ice Cream, Holly Springs, NC
‍The ice cream cakes are the best! - Jack

Coffee

Cultivate Coffee, Fuquay-Varina, NC
‍Coffee is perfection, but the muffins and scones are to die for. – Susanna

Fount Coffee, Morrisville, NC

Great breakfast / brunch spot and everything is gluten free. - Joel

Little Waves Coffee/Cocoa Cinnamon, Durham, NC
‍Phenomenal coffee. - Gary  

Other

Glass Jug Beer Lab, Durham, NC
‍Our fav local bottle shop. – Olivia

Livy’s Lavish Wash, Durham, NC

Best grooming and self-wash in town. Your pup will look great!! - Neelesh

The Fitness Lab, Holly Springs, NC
‍Small group, trainer led classes with a supportive community that pushes you to improve. – Susanna

We Rock the Spectrum, Cary, NC

They are so inclusive and accommodating for all kids, including physical disabilities. – Holly

Wilma’s Plant Hub, Creedmore, NC

The cutest little shop.  Friendly, folksy vibe and a whimsical selection too! - Christine

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Support Local for the Holidays

When you are considering your gift list, choose to shop at one of our local favorites. A gift card or visit to one of these local establishments (or any small business) will make the season joyous!

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For more small business recommendations, check out past years' staff picks:

- 2023 Local Businesses We Love at Net Friends
- 2022 Local Businesses We Love at Net Friends
- 2021 Local Businesses We Love at Net Friends