Small Businesses Are the 'Bread and Butter' of Hartland Community

Becoming a small business owner in a small town takes effort, commitment and a strong sense of pride for their work, which is why supporting the owners is important, according to Hartland Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jana Warford. 

“They are the bread and butter,” she said. “They create a sense of community, they give back and they employ locally.”

For everything small business owners in Hartland do and give to their community, on Saturday, Nov. 30, the community is encouraged to “Shop Small” and help give back and support their local economy. 

Opening his small business in Hartland two years ago, John Drallos, owner of Village Pizza & Pasties, located at 3620 Avon St., said while being a small business owner is tough with many "ups and downs," taking pride and ownership of his work is the most important part of his job. 

“It’s tough and not just here, that’s anywhere,” he said. “But I think what people should understand is that small business owners really take pride in their products and strive to be the best.”

Over the past two years, Drallos has worked to build his business and satisfy the needs of the community where he lives and believes his customers recognize and appreciate the difference in his product compared to some of the other chain restaurants in the area.

By adding popular menu items such as pasties, chicken wings and gluten-free pizza options, Drallos works to stay connected to the customers he sees walking through his doors on a regular basis.

“The small town is still new for me,” he said with a grin. “But I enjoy it.”

What is your favorite small business in Hartland? Tell us in comments.

Small Business Saturday, observed on Nov. 30 this year, encourages holiday shoppers to patronize businesses that are small and local.