10 Mom and Pop Businesses to Know and Support
In honor of National Mom and Pop Business Owners day, we’re highlighting 10 Arizona family-owned businesses you should know about and support ❤️ #LocalFirstAZ
1. Sonoran Desert Inn (Ajo) #RuralAZ
Looking forward to your next adventure? Look to Ajo and stay at the Sonoran Desert Inn — a nonprofit inn and retreat center. In 2014, the managers Emily and Stuart Siegel embarked on a year-long road trip where they fell in love with the Ajo community. So much so, they decided to move here to be a part of the Inn. The Sonoran Desert Inn & Conference Center blends heritage and spirit in a beautiful space for retreats, weddings, or as the launchpad for a desert expedition. It is currently closed due to the COVID-19 crisis, but you can purchase a gift certificate for a future stay or support their 13 employees through their Staff Relief Fund.
2. Melrose Pharmacy (Phoenix, Melrose District)
After getting burnout from her corporate pharmacy job, Teresa Dickinson took matters into her own hands. In 2005, she opened the Melrose Pharmacy in the vibrant Melrose District and focused her services on Compounding, Disease Management, Pill Management, RX Refills, Weight Loss Programs and more. The level of expertise and care she wanted for her customers she wouldn’t be able to provide through any chain store or over-the-counter pharmacy, so she opened her own business. What pharmacy can feel home like? Take a visit to Melrose and see for yourself.
3. The Dhaba (Tempe)
Owned and operated by Raveen Arora since 2003, The Dhaba is an award-winning, casual-elegant restaurant that prides itself in supporting local farmers, recruiting local talent, and using top quality local meats. They even cater to special diets and lifestyles such as vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and halal choices. In India and Pakistan, highways are dotted with local restaurants popularly known as 'Dhabas', providing local cuisine and serving as stops for truck drivers. In Tempe, The Dhaba focuses on being a space that is “non-monolithic, simple, rich, robust and diverse.”
4. Community Tire Pros ( Greater Phoenix area)
Since 1945, Community Tire Pros & Auto Repair have been assisting folks in the valley with honest service, fast problem solving and helping people stay on top of routine maintenance. You can visit them in 6 of their locations in the greater Phoenix area. To counteract the effects of the COVID-19, Community Tire Pros have implemented many precautionary systems to ensure customer and employee safety. This includes Non-Contact Dropboxes, Mobile Communication & Payment, Free Vehicle Pick-up and Delivery, and Reinforcing Existing Health Protocols.
5. Superstition Meadery (Prescott)
You can find some of the world’s best, fine-crafted mead in Arizona. Superstition Meadery has introduced over 200 unique meads and hard ciders since 2012. Jeff started making mead after Jen gifted him a brewery kit in 2007. A solid 13 years later they have taken home award after award and were named The U.S. Small Business Administration’s 2019 Small Business Persons of the Year. They’re also offering some great deals: 30% off any bottle or can of mead or cider, online, curbside, and can ship to over 38 states. They also just launched a subscription-based statewide mead club — check it out!
6. Pop ‘N Tea Bar (Phoenix)
Eric Caraig, Matt Kwong and Benson Tran founded Pop ‘N Tea bar and opened up shop in January of 2018 at 550 W. McDowell Road. Their diamond bars concept created in 2016, while so satisfying to look at and take pictures of, took two years of trial and error using 3D printing technology to perfect. In the mood for something sweet? Their Diamond Bars are available for pick-up. Plus, tea delivery is available through Postmates, UberEats, GrubHub. Customers can call 602-253-6310 to order.
7. Warner’s Nursery (Flagstaff)
Time for new plants? Check out this Flagstaff institution. Warner’s Nursery was established by Dorothy & Bill Warner in Page, AZ, back in 1970. Dorothy’s sons joined the family-owned business in the late ’70s, and grew the landscape and maintenance division (which is still active) throughout all of Northern Arizona. And in the ‘90s, expanded to a retail store in Flagstaff. They offer discounts to all members of the military, students, and senior gardeners, every day. Make sure not to miss the coffee shop, Dottie's Garden Coffee Shoppe, inside while you take a stroll.
7. Warner’s Nursery (Flagstaff)
Time for new plants? Check out this Flagstaff institution. Warner’s Nursery was established by Dorothy & Bill Warner in Page, AZ, back in 1970. Dorothy’s sons joined the family-owned business in the late ’70s, and grew the landscape and maintenance division (which is still active) throughout all of Northern Arizona. And in the ‘90s, expanded to a retail store in Flagstaff. They offer discounts to all members of the military, students, and senior gardeners, every day. Make sure not to miss the coffee shop, Dottie's Garden Coffee Shoppe, inside while you take a stroll.
9. Peanut Butter Americano (Statewide)
Meet Jeff and Denise Malkoon, the brother and sister duo behind Peanut Butter Americano. Like most entrepreneurs, Jeff wanted to make a positive change in the world and while traveling in Uraguay, his business idea was sparked. After noticing kids heading to school with a sweet and not very nutritious breakfast, Jeff had a very important thought, "We can do better." Fast-forward to today, Jeff and Denise have been on Shark Tank, still sell their in-demand peanut butter at farmers markets, and are in over 400 retail locations, including Sprouts. Hear how they got their start, a bit about going into business with family and making a product you care about.
10. Forestdale Farm (Flagstaff)
Forestdale Farm is a small family-owned farm rooted in Flagstaff, Arizona since 2012. Rylan Morton-Starner and Jamie Fredricks with their two sons, Arlo and Erez, are doing big things for the Flagstaff community: growing a large variety of vegetables and herbs, selling homemade personal care and household items, operating a farm stand, offering CSA farm shares and selling at the Flagstaff Community Markets and to local restaurants.