Support Local: Your survival guide to eat, shop on Small Business Saturday 2020

There's no question that many small businesses in the Coastal Bend have had a hard year in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

So as we gear up to celebrate Small Business Saturday on Nov. 28, let's consider supporting some of our favorite local eateries and shops in the Corpus Christi-area.

The Caller-Times has gathered a list of events and small businesses in the region where you can shop in-store and online during the shopping holiday. 

Where to get a bite to eat:

Sandi's Diner Red, Hot & Blue

704 Ayers St.

This mom-and pop diner on Ayers Street is known for its classic American menu and retro atmosphere. Some of their popular dishes include the pizza burger, Sandi's waffle and Area 51 malt.

361-334-3850

Price's Chef

1800 S Alameda St.

Since 1940, Price's Chef has been serving some of the best all-American food in Corpus Christi. For Small Business Saturday, grab some home-style breakfast and lunch when you stop by at this classic diner in the heart of Six Points. 

361-883-2786

Dokyo Dauntaun

424 N Chaparral St.

From the lighting to the music, to the crafted cocktails and fusion cuisine, you won't find a restaurant like this one-of-a-kind destination in downtown Corpus Christi.

On this Small Business Saturday, make a stop at Dokyo Dauntaun and support owner Kil Lee by grabbing a bite to eat and posing for pictures in front of the restaurant's Tokyo-themed mural.

361-462-4620

8TE

1220 Airline Rd.

You won't find a Corpus Christi restaurant that serves Modern American food like 8TE. Every dish on the menu is absolute perfection — including brunch. Support owner Megan Lee by visiting this eatery on Airline Road on Small Business Saturday.

Some of the dishes we recommend you try: the Trainer, a maple-sriracha glazed grilled salmon; The Southern Belle, a fried chicken sandwich; a Sloppy G, a pulled pork sandwich with curry barbecue sauce; and Chicken and Waffle sliders.

361-723-0261

The Coffee Mugg

1112 Morgan Ave.

This coffee shop is the only place in town that will make you feel like you're a part of the Wizarding World.

For Harry Potter fans, the Coffee Mugg is the perfect haven to relax and enjoy a golden snitch treat and a hot cup of coffee like the Malfoy or Goblet de Fuego.

361-299-5650

More:The Coffee MUGG in Corpus Christi featured on 'The Texas Bucket List' show

Bien Mérité

1316 S Staples St.

At Bien Mérité, you'll find freshly baked almond croissants, macarons, pastries, mirror cakes, tiramisu, mousse cups, specialty sandwiches and some of the best Matcha tea in town. 

On this Small Business Saturday, support owner Michelle Fraedrick Alafghani by grabbing a quick bite for brunch like the Lox and Bagel and enjoy a London Fog tea. 

361-334-0241

More:This Corpus Christi woman opened a French-inspired cafe in the city's central area

Glow

1815 Broadway St. in Rockport

If you find yourself in Rockport this weekend, make a stop at Glow and grab some cocktails and enjoy some of the best seafood cuisine in town. We recommend trying the Blackened Flounder with Linguini, Mom's Shrimp, Glow's Taco Trio and the sliced Texas Beef Tenderloin.

If you're unable to dine outside, order online at Toasttab.com/glow and pick-up some cocktails, beer and food through curbside. 

361-727-2644

The Boiling Pot

201 Fulton Beach Rd. in Rockport

The Rockport restaurant, which is known for its fresh seafood and Cajun flair, opened its doors more than 35 years ago.

Since taking over in 2013, owner Ramona LeBlanc has ensured the Coastal Bend eatery's status as the one-stop food destination for seafood lovers.

Her restaurant offers craw fish, shrimp, lobster and more on butcher style paper. For customers, the welcoming atmosphere at The Boiling Pot always has them coming back for that one-of-a-kind experience. 

361-729-6972

Venetian Hot Plate

232 Beach St. in Port Aransas

Venetian Hot Plate owner Linda Halioua was told her authentic Italian style restaurant would never make it past six months in Port Aransas. Twenty-one years later she has continued to prove others wrong.

Halioua, who grew up in a small town north of Venice, Italy, is known for her one of a kind dishes and excellent hospitality.

On this Small Business Saturday, we recommend stopping by this beach town eatery and enjoy a plate of Fettucine Aurora with a glass of wine.

361-749-7617

Black Marlin Bar & Grill

258 Snapdragon in Port Aransas

Executive chef and owner Gail Huesmann has been wowing Port Aransas residents with her gourmet seafood dining at Black Marlin Bar & Grill for years.

We recommend making a stop at this beach town eatery on Small Business Saturday and grabbing a bite of the Shrimp Scampi Ravioli or the Thai Coconut Curry Snapper. 

361-749-4653

Rebel Toad Brewing Co. 

435 William St.

Rebel Toad Brewing Co. will offer $10 glasses with a pint of crafted beer to patrons who visit the brewery on Saturday, Nov. 28. 

To celebrate #SaveTexasBreweries for Small Business Saturday, a portion of proceeds from each limited edition glass, designed by artist Carra Sykes, will go to support the Texas Craft Brewers Guild. 

512-221-1267

Other local breweries to support: Lazy Beach Brewing Co. at 7422 Bichon Dr., Nueces Brewing Co. at 401 S. Water St, Lorelai Brewing Co. at 520 N.A.S. Dr. and Aerodrome Distilling at 401 Aviation Dr.

More:Under-the-radar restaurants you have to try in Corpus Christi

Where to shop:

Shell & Pine 

All items within this Corpus Christi online shop are vintage or made from vintage materials. From the vintage-style clothes to the jewelry and art, you can find some one-of-a-kind goods and face masks to buy on Small Business Saturday.

Want to shop here? Visit www.shellandpine.com to order or visit Shell & Pine on Facebook and Instagram to see what the latest trends are. 

SewBonita

SewBonita, which sells Latina-empowered clothing and arts and crafts, is your one-stop online destination for all-things South Texas couture. 

Owner Elena Flores has transformed her hobby for sewing into a successful women-owned business and is the organizer for the popular Loca for Local event in Corpus Christi.

On this Small Business Saturday, shop at www.sewbonita.com and support Flores by purchasing some "Jefa" (boss) and "The future is Chingona" (bad a** woman) shirts and cute South Texas-themed pins and stickers.

Taco Gear

Corpus Christi is considered to be the home of some of the best breakfast tacos in Texas. It's also the home of Taco Gear, a clothing brand dedicated to all-things taco.

Taco Gear owner and graphic designer Gerald Flores started the brand in 2016 as a way to show his appreciation and love for South Texas food. Today, Taco Gear is so popular it is now featured on the Mitú Shop.

His ideas for his T-shirt designs come from everyday routines, when sitting at home with his wife Elena, while working on his website and while eating tacos at his favorite taqueria in town, Southside Barbacoa.

Where to get your Taco Gear? Visit www.tacogear.com. 

Lavender & Lee

This Etsy online store may specialize in dainty and minimalist jewelry, but you can't help but feel like a shining star when wearing its one-of-a-kind botanical styles.

Want to buy? Shop online at Loca for Local, Curbside at 10 a.m. Nov. 25 until 10 p.m. Nov. 26 to support this Corpus Christi business.

Festíva

Owner Tamara Cibrian has been creating her own Mexican-American-inspired jewelry and clothing in Corpus Christi since 2019.

Some of her popular designs include all-things Frida Kahlo, colorful art and embroidered accessories and handbags. Want to buy? Visit www.shopfestiva.com.

Gold Dust Cosmetic Collective

Gold Dust Cosmetic Collective in Corpus Christi is definitely the place to go for cosmetic tattooing, but it's also a great place to shop for beauty products and makeup bags. 

Some products to check out: Glow Goddess facial bar for $10, Cosmic Cream Moisturizer for $20, Mystic Mama Facial Mask for $15 and Golden Pucker lip balm for $5. Shop online at www.golddustcc.com.

Jalapeñas Salsa

Alissa Peña, who is the owner of Jalapeñas Salsa, has captivated many South Texans' taste buds with her one-of-a-kind salsas over the years.

Using nothing but fresh, local ingredients, Peña's homemade salsas have become so popular that they have been sold in many Corpus Christi-area restaurants and shops. Now it's being sold in stores in San Antonio and Austin, too.

Want to buy some salsa? Visit Total Wine & More Corpus Christi, 5425 S. Padre Island Dr., or buy online at www.jalapenassalsa.com.

Corpus Christi-area events:

Loca for Local, Curbside

Loca for Local, Curbside will host an online shopping event for 36-hours straight to give locals a chance to shop for their favorite products at 18 Corpus Christi-area stores.

The event will start at 10 a.m. Nov. 25 and run until 10 p.m. Nov. 26. A curbside pickup will be available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 28 at Hoegemeyer's BarBeQue Barn, 711 Concrete St.

Sign up at www.locaforlocal.com to be the first to view and shop with early access. The first 50 shoppers that spend $35 or more will get a free Loca For Local tote.

Small Business Saturday at Meadowbrook Plaza

Fifteen local small businesses will set up shop at Meadowbrook Plaza, 4705 S. Alameda St., from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 28.

Some of the businesses participating in the event include Cookies by Design, The Vine Juice Company, Driftwood Coffee, L&RK at the Dry Bar and Olive Bleu Charcuterie.

Corpus Christi Shop Small Crawl - COVID Edition

A few locally-owned shops will be participating in this year's Corpus Christi Shop Small Crawl on Small Business Saturday on Nov. 28.

Visitors can pick up a card at the participating shops and follow the self-guided crawl. Those who bring the card to each shop, receive a punch every time and make a purchase will be entered to win a beautiful gift basket filled with goodies from every store.

Some of the shops participating include: Jewel's Clothing & Accessories at 5830 McArdle Rd., Wildflowers at 2729 S. Padre Island Dr., Pilar at 3814 S. Alameda St., Made in Corpus Christi at 1524 S. Staples St. and 20/20 Vintage at 423 William St.

Shop Small in Rockport-Fulton

More than 50 small businesses in the Rockport-Fulton area will be participating in Small Business Saturday on Nov. 28. 

Some shops to look out for: Sassy Boutique at 416 S. Austin St., New Beginnings at 410 S. Austin St., Grandma B's Sweet Treats at 2716 Business HWY 35, The Beauty Bar at 701 HWY 35 N, Toscano Burgers & More Food Truck at 1007 E. North St., and Songbird Chic, Decor For Your Nest at 415 S. Austin St.

For more information, visit Rockport Fulton Chamber of Commerce on Facebook and online at http://www.rockport-fulton.org/.

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