Black Friday is a well-beloved holiday, but where is our money really going when we purchase from these large corporations? Everyone loves to get a steal deal, but we often neglect the local stores who get little business around the holiday sales. Rather than splurge on Black Friday this year, let’s support our local businesses on Small Business Saturday!

Small-town Ridgecrest is home to many local businesses that specialize in a variety of products and services. One of our town’s beloved restaurants, Taqueria Bernardino’s, has seen what a great impact the community has on its business.

Aide Esparza, daughter to the owners of Taqueria Bernardino’s, expressed her appreciation for the supportive community.

“We have lots of people from the naval base come into the restaurant and they bring with them people from out of town,” Esparza said. “Our community has always been there to support us, through good and bad times. When our restaurant burnt down several years ago, the community came together and helped us build up our business again and got us to the point where we are today.”

Be sure to check out Bernardino’s at 841 N. Downs St. this upcoming week and get a taste of some of the best Mexican food in town!

Looking for some flowers to put you in the holiday spirit? Carin Miles is a local florist and event planner who works right out of her home for her business “Your Event.”

“I started my business in 2008 and have the full services of any large flower shop inside my own home,” Miles said. “Ridgecrest’s tight-knit community has really helped my small business grow significantly. I have around 300 super-loyal clients that love to advertise my business to their friends and family around town, which helps a ton considering I don’t advertise my business much otherwise!”

Check out Carin Miles at youreventbycarin.com to contact your next event planner and florist.

To find out what other small businesses are around town, visit our local farmer’s market on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Enjoy your Thanksgiving and be sure to support the local businesses over the break.