Locally Owned Pizza Franchise Exemplifies Why Small Business Saturday is the Most Important Day to Shop this Holiday Season

While not everyone would consider it a holiday, a growing number of people have begun to recognize the importance of Small Business Saturday and showing their support of the movement. Even President Obama has been seen shopping at local bookstores on Small Business Saturday—a day that falls on the first Saturday after Thanksgiving. Some may think of it as the recovery day after Black Friday.

The “shop small” theme behind Small Business Saturday provides an opportunity to support all types of small businesses – jewelry stores, spas, fitness studios and restaurants. As a small business owner himself, Andrew Williams, who owns Your Pie in Snellville, Georgia, knows firsthand the strength that a message like Small Business Saturday can have on local businesses.

Prior to opening his restaurant, Williams did it all – from real estate to financial services. He graduated from University of Georgia in Athens where Your Pie was first started, so he was very familiar with the brand. Coming from a family of entrepreneurs and business owners, Williams decided he wanted to open his own restaurant, which made him think of Your Pie because he already had a love for the product and a passion for the brand.

Becoming a small business owner changed Williams’ life in more ways than one. It has given him the freedom to make his own schedule and to take control of his life, which he has always dreamed of. However, that doesn’t mean it has come easy.

“Before becoming a franchisee myself, I always pictured franchising as an easy and guaranteed way to make money,” Williams said. “It’s not. It is difficult, and you really need to work at it and have a passion for what you’re doing in order to be successful! I’m lucky to have found that with Your Pie.”

Being a local business owner has also provided Williams with the opportunity to become more involved in his community. He hosts a variety of different meetings, fundraising events and luncheons at his Your Pie, allowing community groups to use the restaurant space and raise a little money along the way. Williams finds joy in using his brand to help promote events in his community, and he believes the community returns the favor in supporting his business.

When asked what Small Business Saturday means to him, Williams said, “It’s a time where people can focus on keeping money in their community. I think small businesses are making a comeback, and the younger generations are becoming more focused on quality rather than price. Hopefully that will help build our local communities back up!”

So, instead of elbowing people in the face at the mall’s food court or yanking toys out of another shopper’s hand on Black Friday, remember Small Business Saturday as an opportunity to support the local community as well as business owners and their families.