By Christopher Harris
Small businesses are the backbone of Main Street USA
I ’ ve been a journalist with the Commonwealth Journal pretty much my entire adult life , starting fresh out of college .
But in another life , I was a small businessman . Well , not that I ’ m small ( definitely not around the waistline ), but my business would be . I ’ ve often walked past downtown storefronts and daydreamed about opening something like a sandwich shop that offers authentic Philadelphia cheesesteaks , the way they make them on South Street , or an arcade bar , a popular attraction in college towns combining adult beverages with the classic video games of my youth . So I salute all those people who actually did put in the hard work , the costly investments , and the hours and hours of time necessary to get their own small businesses off the ground .
Small businesses are the backbone of America . It ’ s a well-worn statement , but it ’ s absolutely true . We all shop at national chains from time to time , sure , but our country was built by the kind of people who started their own shops , ran their own farms , started their own restaurants , and turned Main Street USA into the kind of place that communities can build around . Small businesses are worthy of supporting , and help make our great nation what it is .
And as far as arcade bars go , that ’ s not far off the mark of what Birdies and Barrels is doing on East Mt . Vernon Street . Owner Anthony Cox has created something that feels more like you ’ d find in a college town or a metropolitan city — not just a bar but an entertainment destination . We talk to him in this edition of Southeast
Kentucky Magazine about the success Birdies and Barrels has already had , and the big plans for its future .
We also visit with some family-owned places to get something yummy to eat — maybe not cheesesteaks , but the “ world ’ s best hot dog ” at Burnside summertime institution the Goodie Shack , or Mexican-style sweets at GiGi ’ s Homemade Ice Cream , the very picture of the American Dream in action .
Joining Birdies and Barrels downtown is A Bazaar Universe , one of the most unique stores you ’ ll find in this area , owned by one of the most unique people , Jade Ellis . Burnett Farms is an example of the kind of agricultural legacy that makes the American heartland what it is , and has been for generations , growing food that ’ s good for the body and the soul . And over at Southern Kentucky Vascular , Dr . Don Brown helps the human body working in top shape .
All that and more is included in the June issue of Southeast Kentucky Magazine . Go out , buy local , support small businesses , and help keep the dreams of our neighbors alive . It ’ s the American way .
June 2023 SEKY - Life in Southeast Kentucky • 5