Supporting Small Businesses, One Restaurant at Time

Like so many small businesses in Los Angeles, local restaurants have been some of the hardest hit businesses during this pandemic. Recently, Los Angeles County Supervisor, Mark Ridley-Thomas took a trip to Little Ethiopia to show his support for the community, and to support Rosalind’s, one of the oldest Ethiopian restaurants in the neighborhood. Known for its authentic Ethiopian cuisine, Rosalind’s has been a local staple for more than 20 years.

“In the County of Los Angeles, we literally have thousands of small businesses. But few are like those in Little Ethiopia—a cultural center of consequence, and we want to make sure we’re doing our part to bring awareness and support them,” said Supervisor Ridley-Thomas.

Despite the unprecedented nature of this crisis, Rosalind’s has made appropriate adjustments to keep its business up and running during this time. Properly social distancing tables outside the restaurant, and moving to a primarily takeout menu.

“COVID-19 has affected us very greatly. It’s been almost 7 months since the pandemic hit. We have a 400,000 square foot restaurant and we were doing decent. But ever since the crisis began, the inside has been kept closed,’ said Fekera Gedremariam, owner of Rosalind’s Ethiopian Cuisine. “I am thankful to Supervisor Ridley-Thomas for visiting Little Ethiopia and highlighting this community.”

“Small businesses, like everyone says, is the engine of our economy. Small businesses are the mom and the pops, small businesses are where you have the majority of your employees, small businesses drive the economy. Rosalind’s is very dedicated to serving its customers, and I hope that they can survive COVID-19,” said Ethiopian Culture Center Founder, Nikki Legesse.

New and loyal customers help to keep businesses like Rosalind’s afloat during these difficult times.  First-time customers, Henry and Amanda had this to say about supporting local businesses, “During this time everyone should support small businesses and go out to eat at local restaurants. A lot of restaurants have outdoor dining and outdoor patio seating. So, as long as you follow the necessary precautions, it’s very safe to do so. Or you can order take out, shop at the smaller shops, just continue to keep the economy going and support local small businesses.”

“The resilience that these restaurants have demonstrated is not to be ignored. It is to be celebrated and supported. Come and support your local restaurants. They make a difference, they hire people who need these jobs and it’s the best way for us to show that we will not give up, that we will push forward and make the best out of all of these circumstances. Support your local business and start right here,” concluded Supervisor Ridley-Thomas.