Grassroots of Tarboro

A new restaurant opened a few months ago on Main Street in Tarboro.  La Familia Restaurante, serving Spanish and Caribbean foods.  Considering how few eateries we have downtown, you'd think their business would be booming, but like many downtown business owners "The Family" is discovering that our downtown is not as thriving as it may look.  They have had days when very few customers come in, but their rent is due every month.

 I admit my first impression when they opened their doors in mid-January was not that great, but I was only aware of their inexpensive Daily Combos, budget meals with rice and beans that were fast to prepare for workers on a tight schedule.  I didn't know about the house specialties and wide array of dishes made with beef, chicken or shrimp.  I didn't know they had salads and sandwichs. I didn't know they had fresh juice drinks, shakes and desserts. 

I spoke with Ramona Michel, the owner, on this past rainy Saturday and she asked me "Where are all of the people?" "Why aren't there more people downtown?".  She has tried taking menus to Sara Lee and to Heritage Hospital but both times was stopped and told that she could not distribute menus on their property.

If the newspaper ads don't reach many customers, and you can't distribute menus, and very few people actually come downtown, how is a downtown business supposed to survive?

I will help in the ways I know how.   I will eat there at least once a week.  I will encourage folks to give the restaurant a try.  I will help them to get the word out.  I created a webpage for them and put the menu online, so more of you can easily find it, see what they have to offer, maybe call in a lunch-time order or take your family out for a Caribbean-style dinner.  The menu can be found at www.gotarboro.com/la-familia .

If we want Tarboro to be a healthy thriving town we all have to make an effort to support our local businesses.
Remember BUY LOCAL, EAT LOCAL, BE LOCAL.