Why We Support Small Businesses
Small businesses are the backbone to every local economy. In 2022, Net Friends CEO, John Snyder, joined the Leadership Council for the National Small Business Association (NSBA). This role allows John to champion small business concerns at the legislative level, influencing lawmakers to consider small business interests when drafting policies and distributing grants.
We celebrate Small Business Saturday on November 25th this year! This annual holiday spotlights small businesses and retailers in our communities. Net Friends is proud to be a part of the Durham business community—since 1997. We invite you to support local establishments this holiday season, wherever you live.
Listed below are small businesses our Net Friends staff love to enjoy. Check them out!
Small Businesses We Love at Net Friends!
Restaurants
- Ajja, Raleigh, NC
Amazing Mediterranean food, great date night vibes. - Will - Apex Wings, Apex, NC
Best wings in the area. - Jack - Bombshell Brewery, Holly Springs, NC
Great Beer and music. - Jack - Chai's Asian Bistro, Raleigh, NC
The food is magnificent. - Jamal - Chirba Chirba Food Truck, Triangle Area
Some of the best soup dumplings I've ever had! - Olivia - Juju, Durham, NC
Best Asian tapas restaurant in Durham. - Olivia - La Unica, Charlotte, NC
Some of the best authentic Mexican food I've found in the area. - Scott - Pimento Tea Room, Holly Springs, NC
It's our favorite local restaurant. - Bob - Royal Cafe & Creperie, Matthews, NC
The most engaging and helpful service staff I've ever encountered. - Scott - Samantha's Pupusas, Hillsborough, NC
Tiny, humble, and full of genuinely warm people and deliciousness. - Amy - Trophy Pizza + Brewing, Raleigh, NC
I always take my parents when they visit, it is a favorite spot of ours. - Olivia
Featured Small Business
High Strung Violins & Guitars
We've gone electric! Add an electric guitar to your holiday list.
Sweets & Treats
- Andia's Ice Cream, Cary, NC
My favorite ice cream. - AJ - HappyCakes, Morehead City, NC
The best cupcakes I've ever had! - Kristi - Chamoy Bros., Online Retail Shop
These are so freakin’ good. - Emily - Mamma Bird's Ice Cream, Holly Springs, NC
The ice cream cakes are the best! - Jack
Coffee
- Bean Traders Coffee, Durham, NC
My favorite coffee place, it is the best! - Rob - Cultivate Coffee, Fuquay-Varina, NC
Coffee is perfection, but the muffins and scones are to die for. - Susanna - Little Waves Coffee/Cocoa Cinnamon, Durham, NC
Phenomenal coffee. - Gary
Featured Small Business
Hamilton Hill Jewelry
Other
- Atlantic Gardening, Raleigh, NC
It is an amazing space, one of my favorite nurseries. - Christine - Bad Machines, Durham, NC
It's a good place to let your hair down and just play video games. - Jamal - Burn Bootcamp, Holly Springs, NC
My wife does not stop talking about how great it is. - Jack - Crates and Critters, Gibsonville, NC (Cat Patios & more!)
They build beautiful custom catios and dog crates! - Gabbie - Frozen Pines Tattoo, Gibsonville, NC
They do fantastic work, and Annie Bella is the best! - Gabbie - Glass Jug Beer Lab, Durham, NC
Our fav local bottle shop. - Olivia - Graham Cinema! $5 Movies, Graham, NC
That old timey small town movie vibe. Plus, when you call for the showings, there is a joke at the end. - Gabbie - Gunter's Greenhouse, Durham, NC
Great houseplant selection. - Christine - Inner Peaks, Charlotte, NC (Climbing)
The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and they just added new 55' walls. - Scott - Logan's Garden Shop, Raleigh, NC
Huge selection and great staff! - Christine - Oaklore Distilling, Co, Matthews, NC
The entire staff would spend the entire day talking shop with you if they could. Their vodka is so crisp and smooth it's dangerous. - Scott - Raleigh Road Outdoor Theatre, Henderson, NC
This is our FAVORITE Drive-In movie theatre. - Emily - The Fitness Lab, Holly Springs, NC
Small group, trainer led classes with a supportive community that pushes you to improve. - Susanna
Support Local for the Holidays
The season of giving is snowballing into full-fledge holiday festivities! Consider our local favorites when planning gifts for loved ones. A gift card or visit to one of these local establishments (or any small business) will definitely spark joy all season long!
For more small business recommendations, check out past years' staff picks:
- 2022 Local Businesses We Love at Net Friends
- 2021 Local Businesses We Love at Net Friends
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- Net Friends Owner Named to National Small Business Association’s Leadership Council
