Nestled between Black Friday and Cyber Monday is Small Business Saturday, happening this year on November 24.
Small businesses are thriving in Raleigh’s Creative District. And you probably don’t know about some of the hidden gems that are producing some of the coolest things in Raleigh. We asked our contributors here on southwestraleigh.com to recommend some of their favorite small businesses in our area for Small Business Saturday. All of you get to benefit from our insights. The next step is to go out and support these great businesses in Raleigh’s Creative District. Find out what you’ve been missing.
Videri Chocolates
recommended by Beth Eiserloh Johnson
Step into this downtown sweet spot and you are immediately hit with a heavenly Willy Wonka-esque aroma of chocolatey goodness. Videri Chocolates has taken up home in the Warehouse District and we are happy to have them! With a focus on hand-crafted and quality sourced ingredients, these local chocolate makers pride themselves on keeping the full “bean to bar” process in house. They also love to talk about it and welcome visitors to come experience the process themselves with an informal tour.
Look for exciting changes and growth at Videri soon with their confections counter, new website, expanded in-store offerings, and many other fun surprises for those looking to indulge in their sweet tooth. Oh and their chocolate is just REALLY darn good. Check out their Facebook page for up-to-date news on all the developments.
327 West Davie Street, Raleigh | www.viderichocolatefactory.com
Stitch
recommended by Amy G. Howard
Holly Aiken graduated from the NC State School of Design. She designs and sells her purses at Stitch, which is located on Hargett St. Her unique retro designs are universally loved—I get so many compliments on my Holly Aiken purse! Not only do they look great, they made primarily of vinyl and are incredibly sturdy. She has also recently added a feature to her website where you can customize your own purse.
20 East Hargett Street | hollyaiken.myshopify.com
Cuddles on Call
recommended by Jason Hibbets
Going on vacation and hate boarding your pets? Working long hours and unable to find the time to take your dog out for a walk? Don’t worry, April Cash from Cuddles on Call has you covered. April owns a pet sitting/dog walking company called Cuddles on Call serving customers in Raleigh, Cary, and parts of Garner and Holly Springs. She provides professional dog walking, in-home pet sitting, and pet taxi services for dogs, cats, birds, fish and other small pets. Cuddles on Call is fully licensed, insured and bonded. Our family has used Cuddles on Call for several occasions and have been completely satisfied.
919-803-6051 | cuddlesoncallnc.com
Stroller Strides
recommended by Kris Montgomery
Stroller Strides of Midtown Raleigh is a total fitness program for moms to do with their stroller and kid(s). The hour-long class includes intervals of body toning, run/walking, and exercise tubing all while kid(s) are in the stroller. Whether you are looking to get in shape, meet other moms, or have fun with your child they’ll help you reach your goal. They also have a very active playgroup that is free to join! Current class times and places:
- Tues/Thurs at the NC Museum of Art Park (9:30am)
- Mon/Wed/Fri at North Hills Mall (9am)
- Mon/Wed at Shelley Lake (10am)
To learn more visit Stroller Strides of Midtown Raleigh or contact Missy Currin at [email protected]. Note: check website for new indoor class schedule beginning 12/1.
The Raleigh Wine Shop
recommended by Beth Eiserloh Johnson
The helpful and friendly owners at the Raleigh Wine Shop take all the intimidation out of selecting and trying a new a varietal of wine. With their well-stocked and smartly labeled set-up, it’s easy to find your favorites and venture into new wine territory, making this the go-to place for wine shopping in Raleigh. Want to try something? Pull up to the Wine Station bar that features a selection of wines by the 1, 2 and 4 ounce pour for you sip on. The featured wines rotate often and cover a wide variety of styles from around the world. They also host and participate in many partnerships (with local restaurants, food trucks, shops and arts orgs) and have interesting events at the shop as well. Follow them on Twitter or Facebook for the latest.
126 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh | www.theraleighwineshop.com
Lake Wheeler Veterinary Hospital
recommended by Merri Beth Hibbets
Lake Wheeler Veterinary Hospital is located in the Oaks Shopping center at the corner of Lake Wheeler and Tryon Roads. Dr. Sandra Grant and her staff offer a wide variety of services for your pet from annual check-ups, grooming, dental services, surgeries and pet boarding. The friendly staff is always more than happy to answer questions that you may have. Our family has been been using Dr. Grant and Lake Wheeler Veterinary Hospital for more than 10 years and have been very happy with the service we have received.
2720 Lake Wheeler Road, Suite 105 | www.lakewheelerveterinary.com
The Keg | The Brickhouse Pub
recommended by Hillsborough Street Community Service Corporation
Hillsborough Street is home to many small businesses that we have all come to know and love. Among them are two collegiate favorites, The Keg and The Brickhouse Pub. The Keg has just recently opened at 2506 Hillsborough Street, right next to Two Guy’s Pizza. The Brickhouse is about five years old and is located across from Meredith College at 3801 Hillsborough Street.
The Keg
The Keg is a new bar, and it’s a cool hangout located right in the middle of Hillsborough Street. It has that “college feel,” and NC State students and others in the surrounding community enjoy their time at The Keg. It’s easy to feel the charisma as soon as you walk in. On the wall hangs a shirt that says “Beard Gang.” These shirts were created by Richard Howell and his friend Jeremy Deckelbaum. Howell is a star player of the N.C. State men’s basketball team, who happens to have famous facial hair. All of the proceeds go to a good cause, and the shirt puts a smile on anybody’s face that sees you wearing it.
Once you get past the beard gang shirts, you will not miss the specials! The Keg host’s different specials each night, and the specials start at 6pm. They also have 20 beers on ta and have an affordable and delicious late night menu.
2506 Hillsborough Street | The Keg Facebook page
Brickhouse
The Brickhouse is a classic sports pub that serves up a variety of American favorites. The pub is also an advocate of everything local. They serve an assortment of local beer and support many local teams such as the Carolina Hurricanes, NC State athletics, and North Carolina’s professional soccer team, the Carolina Railhawks. (They are the official Railhawk bar!).
Their comfy atmosphere and big screen TV’s will cater to anyone’s sport needs, and you don’t have to leave your dog at home! Their outdoor patio is pet friendly. The Brickhouse has different specials every day, and fun events like karaoke and open mic night on Wednesdays and Fridays.
3801 Hillsborough Street | www.brickhouse-nc.com
Do you have a small business that you’d recommend?
Shout out in the comments. Don’t be afraid to evangelize for your favorite spot…but if you own it or are affilated, provide a short disclaimer. It’s just the nice thing to do. We’re glad you’re a part of Soutwest Raleigh (South of Wade Avenue to downtown).