News

NRA, SBA encouraging shoppers to #DineSmall on Nov. 29

The partnership will encourage shoppers to patronize local restaurants while shopping on Small Business Saturday.

November 21, 2014

The National Restaurant Association is partnering with the US Small Business Administration to promote dining out during Small Business Saturday on Nov. 29.

The partnership will amplify restaurants during the national push to support our nation's small businesses on the busiest shopping weekend of the year, according to a news release.

"Local restaurants pack a big punch to our nation's economy, as part of the economic powerhouse that is American small businesses. The restaurant industry is projected to add 1.3 million jobs over the next 10 years and to project $683.4 billion in total sales, equaling 4 percent of the U.S. GDP," said SBA Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet. "The SBA is proud to partner with the National Restaurant Association to champion this great sector of American small businesses."

Restaurants are a significant factor in the nation's economy as the industry's economic impact is estimated at $1.8 trillion, according to the release. Additionally, each dollar spent in restaurants generates an extra $2 in sales for other industries, spurring economic activity in their communities and across the nation.

"Restaurants provide valuable jobs and careers for more than 13.5 million people and are strong economic engines in communities nationwide," said Dawn Sweeney, President and CEO, National Restaurant Association. "While the industry is the nation's second-largest private sector employer, the overwhelming majority of restaurants, more than 90 percent, have fewer than 50 employees. The National Restaurant Association is pleased to join forces with the Small Business Administration to showcase the industry's critical role in overall small business creation."

The SBA and the NRA are encouraging small business owners and community members to share success stories of restaurants in their areas on social media using the hashtag "#DineSmall."

The Small Business Administration will also launch a social media campaign called #ShowUsYourMenu, asking restaurants to create a special menu for Small Business Saturday and promote it on Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites.