Welcome to Broadway Stages’ Spotlight, where we feature local shops, restaurants, organizations, individuals, and venues. During the month of December, we encourage you to support local establishments - shop, dine, and be entertained or pampered locally. This week we focus on a few of the local businesses that have been featured in our spotlight series.  

Broadway Stages is proud to be part of a community of amazing businesses. Did you know that small businesses make up 99.8% of all New York businesses? They are the heart and soul, and economic engine of our community.

With the holiday season in full swing, and new year in sight, it’s prime time to shop, be entertained, and break bread with friends and family. And our city has everything you need to celebrate.

Looking for a night of music and merriment? Check out Pete’s Candy Store in Brooklyn! This music venue started as a general store, transitioned to a candy store (hence the name), and is now a venue for up-and-coming artists and maybe a few libations. So, stop by with friends to see the next Norah Jones, Sufjan Stevens, or Rufus Wainwright. You can read more about Pete’s Candy Store here or check them out on Facebook and Instagram.

Tired of the same old burgers and fries? How do Southern Fried Chicken and Eggnog Waffles sound? Zagat and NewYork.com call it the best soul food in the city. Melba Wilson, the owner and soul behind Melba’s Restaurant in Harlem, calls it “American Comfort Food”. Whatever you call it, you won’t regret it! You can read more about Melba’s Restaurant in Harlem here or follow them on Facebook and Instagram!

If you are looking for a truly transcendent gift, we suggest a gift certificate to Relax on Cloud Nine on Staten Island. This health and wellness spa offers services like waxing, exfoliation, and massage for individuals or couples. They even offer bachelorette and bridal spa packages. You can read more about Relax on Cloud Nine here or follow them on Facebook and Instagram!

Want to give the gift of beauty and health? Then Roc-A-Natural on Staten Island has just what you need. From skincare to superfoods, Dorcas Meyers can help people look and feel their best selves! This former hair model uses pure, fresh, holistic ingredients to create her products. Read more about Roc-A-Natural and this incredible woman here. Then, follow the shop for deals and events on Facebook and Instagram.

Finally, for a unique shopping experience with expert customer service, you have to visit Buy Better Foods, online or in person in Bed-Stuy. Open Monday through Friday, 11am to 7pm, and Saturday, 12pm to 5 pm, this shop has something for every diet, from vegan to omnivore. As owner Myriam Simpierre says, “Lots of things about life are complex. Choosing what to eat should not be.” Read more here or follow the shop on Facebook and Instagram!

These are just a small sampling of the great venues, eateries, service providers, and businesses available to you in this great city we call home. Small businesses provide almost 60 million jobs in the United States. We encourage you to join us in supporting our local businesses this holiday season and throughout the year. Watch for Part II of this series and more local businesses to support!