Thanksgiving is a season for looking around the table, and around the neighborhood, and recognizing the people who make life good. In Aurora South, that list should include the folks behind our locally owned businesses.
By Steve Clark
Our corner of Aurora has grown up quickly. New rooftops stretch east along E-470, and familiar names fill the big shopping centers. But tucked among them are independent businesses run by people who live here, raise families here and chose to bet on this community. When we spend money with them, it doesn’t disappear to a distant headquarters. It stays close, supporting local jobs, local causes and the people we see at school pickup.
This season, we want to say thank you to six of them.
The Local began as a one-season holiday pop-up at Southlands. Customers loved it so much they asked Jill and Jason Williams to keep it open year-round. Today the shop is packed with Colorado-made treats, salsas, apparel and handmade gifts, and the Williams family also runs the Southlands farmers market.
6205 S. Main Street
Tabitha and Jacob Wickline started with a mobile espresso cart at that same farmers market. That cart grew into Legends Coffee, bringing big-city specialty coffee to the suburbs with beans from Colorado roasters.
24100 E. Commons Avenue
Calla Vie Boutique brings one-of-a-kind women’s fashion, accessories, gifts and shoes to Southlands, in sizes from extra small to 3X.
6150 S. Main Street, Suite I-102
Mornings are a family affair at Three Little Griddles, a family-owned breakfast spot known for homemade frittatas, corned pork hash and the classics done right.
6040 S. Gun Club Road, Suite F2
At Two22 Brew, every pint does a little good. The brewery gives a portion of its sales to Colorado charities, turning a night out with friends into a gift for the community.
4550 S. Reservoir Road
And when you’re craving comfort food, Bookmakers Burgers Bourbon Brews delivers. This locally owned grill pairs fresh Certified Angus burgers with an impressive bourbon list and Colorado beers on tap.
25791 E. Smoky Hill Road, Suite 50
Six businesses, six owners who chose Aurora South. And there are many more worth celebrating.
Simple Ways to Thank a Local Business
As you gather with family this month, consider adding one more tradition: thanking the local business owners who serve our community every day. A visit, a purchase and a kind word go further than you might think.
- Choose them first. Before heading to a big-box store or website, see if a local shop carries it.
- Give local gifts. Gift cards and handmade goods support a neighbor twice over.
- Share your experience. An online review helps others discover a business you love.
- Engage online. Follow, comment and share their posts.
- Introduce a friend. Bring someone new along on your next visit.
How Search Aurora South is giving back
We think these neighbors deserve more than an ad on a page. That’s why we’re rebuilding searchaurorasouth.com as a community resource, with a local business directory, a community calendar and stories that put local owners in the spotlight. Over the coming months, we’ll be meeting with Aurora South business owners to share how they got started and why they love serving this community.
Who should we talk to next? The dentist who has cared for three generations of your family, or the food truck that shows up at every youth game? Send your suggestions to contribute@searchaurorasouth.com.
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