10/29/2026
❤️ A Little Perspective From a Small Business Owner
I wish people understood what it takes to keep a small business alive, especially in a small community.
Behind every locally owned business is a real person. Someone with bills, responsibilities, a family, a home, and struggles you may never know about.
Sometimes we’re working other jobs to keep the doors open. Sometimes we’re adjusting hours because the sales simply don’t support staying open longer. Sometimes we’re doing the work of five people while trying to maintain some kind of life outside our businesses.
And sometimes we’re just exhausted.
I’ve spent years investing my time, money, energy, and heart into the Top Hat. I’ve made improvements, tried new things, expanded our offerings, welcomed families, and continued showing up even when business is slow.
I know I can’t make everyone happy. I don’t expect to.
But I do wish people would consider that there’s a human being behind the business before criticizing how it’s being run.
Small businesses don’t survive on opinions about what they should be doing. They survive through actual community support.
And when another local business closes its doors, I hope we all stop to consider what we could do differently to support the places we still have.
You don’t have to love every business or agree with every decision an owner makes.
But kindness costs nothing.
Please remember that the people behind these businesses are doing their best with the resources they have.
And to everyone who continues to show up, spend your hard-earned money with us, offer encouragement, and treat us with kindness—thank you. You matter more than you know.
❤️ Top Hat Tavern