SEARCY, Ark. – It’s always a good idea to shop local, and with so many great locally-owned restaurants and businesses in Searcy, it’s easy to do as well. That said, it’s even better when we can spend our dollars at local businesses that give back to the community. From benefitting The Humane Society to foster care, Searcy has a variety of local businesses that make shopping with a purpose, easy.
The Barkin’ Barn Thrift Store
This thrift store sells a large variety of items ranging from clothes to household furniture and everything in between. All of the inventory is donated to the store and then sold at affordable prices, with all of the proceeds going directly to benefit The Humane Society in Searcy.
If you’re looking for new clothes to add to your closet or some unique décor for your house, The Barkin’ Barn is the perfect place to shop, and it won’t break the bank. The Barkin’ Barn is located close to downtown at 108 N Gum St. and is open Thursday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Photo by: Ana LaFontaine
Burrito Day
One of Searcy’s most popular locally-owned restaurants, Burrito Day not only offers organic and local ingredients, it offers customers the opportunity to “pay it forward” to other diners with a “community meal.” A community meal is a paid-for meal for someone who is hungry but cannot pay for the meal. It includes a 10-inch burrito and a small drink. When purchasing a community meal, customers pay just $6 for a voucher to post on the community board for anyone in need to use. “A big part of being a local business is being supported and being able to support others,” says Brandon Fox, owner of Burrito Day. “This is something that allows people to give. Most people have the desire to give and this makes it easy for people to do that.” Next time you eat at Burrito Day, consider purchasing a community meal. You can get a burrito and give a burrito.
Burrito Day is located at 110 E Center Ave.
Photo: Courtesy of Burrito Day
The Book Nest
The Book Nest is a non-profit, secondhand bookstore that benefits Sparrows Promise and foster care agencies in Arkansas. The Book Nest has a large variety of books to select from for all ages. Along with books, you can also get vinyl from The Book Nest. Donate your old books to The Book Nest and then pick up some new ones for a reasonable price. Next time you’re looking for a new book, make The Book Nest your first stop. You can get a new book and help benefit a great cause.
The Book Nest is located downtown at 107 E Center Ave. and is open Tuesday through Saturday. The hours vary based on the day.