Open Letter to Chains Restaurants

To whom it may concern:

In the past few years the popularity of craft beer has exploded, as I am sure that you are aware. You may have noticed the economy certainly is not the healthiest it has been in recent memory. Large corporations that have controlling interests in the major chain restaurants such as Carlson, Brinker International, Darden, OSI, and others have tremendous buying power and the power to not only help themselves, but their customers, and local economies as well. One way this can be achieved is having at least 1 tap, and a bottle selection from local breweries. Small business is the backbone of the American economy and buying local beers can boost the local economy.

The effects of purchasing local beer from a restaurant are far reaching. When the beer is brewed it often uses ingredients from local farmers. The waste that is created from beer brewing such as grain mash and excess water can be recycled to irrigate local farms, and feed livestock. The brewery in turn has local employees, and increased sales can help employ more people locally, who in turn will be able to spend earnings in establishments such as yours. And the cycle continues. Not only is there an economic impact, but there is an environmental impact as well, as locally brewed beer has much less distance to be transported from brewery to customer. This may also help expose more people to the breweries in their area, which in turn could further help local economies.

So please consider these reasons for expanding what you carry. This may be a small step in many regards, but it is one that will give the consumer more choice and help our nations’ economy as well. This is not just a plea of consumer choice, but one of corporate responsibility. These are simple steps, at minimal cost.

Sincerely,

John Thompson
thehoplocal.com

Tags: business, chain, craft, economy, opinion