Keepin' it Small

When you see a donut sign on the side of the road you stop. That’s the rule. One of my dearest friends from college has taken me many times to Michigan in the summer and it never disappoints.

The sunsets are always the highlight, but this year we stumbled upon and they stole the show for me. Zoey’s father has owned this food truck for 20 years. He rents it out to folks aspiring to start their own business. This year his daughter has taken it over. Frying up fresh donuts everything morning. It’s a perfect small business story and the donuts hit the spot!

Zoey will be slinging donuts for one more week so if you happen to be up in Michigan head on over to Sawyer and grab yourself a donut or 5 (they’re mini)!

I want to share a special business with you! I’m taking you on a trip across the state to . A brain child of Wes, this cocktail brewery is made to delight and satisfy! And boy oh boy does it deliver!

After the bakery closed I knew I had to get out of town, so I headed to Pittsburgh to spend some time with one of my dearest friends. She had told me about Wes’ business and though it was still a couple months out from opening, I was still so excited to see the space. I missed the bakery and I couldn’t think of anything better than seeing a business that was about to open.

I told Wes if there was anything he needed help with I’d be happy to pitch in. I don’t think he realized I truly would have scrubbed the floors and cleaned the bathroom every day if he asked me to. I wanted to be around his energy and the energy of a new business.

The beginning, before the doors open, is this dream like state where everything is possible. I loved seeing Wes in this stage and wanted to soak it all in. Shortly after this visit the idea for Keepin’ it Small came to me.

Now, a little over a year later I got to check out Goodlander in all its glory. I loved seeing how far he had come in just a year. When I got there Wes was prepping for the weekend where they would be making the most drinks to date. In fact, so many drinks that he was having to store some kegs at his friends bar. Not a bad problem to have one year in!

After I left I had that same feeling of excitement. I love small businesses! I love being in them and seeing the energy and community the owner brings to the table.

If you ever find yourself in Pittsburgh go check out ! Not only will the cocktails delight and satisfy you, but Wes’ business model is community and environmentally forward, which if you ask me puts the cherry on top of an already superb Sunday!

Cheers!