Open Letter to Rochester Residents: Are You Really Supporting Local?

Open Letter To Those Who Say That They Support Local in Rochester, Minnesota

Ever since the pandemic hit Minnesota, many restaurants and businesses have been struggling.  I know that well.  Some of the biggest stories that I wrote the past few years are also some of the most heartbreaking.  No one wants to see another note left on a door of a business or restaurant sadly announcing that they are closed for good.

Lately, we have seen several businesses and restaurants post updates asking for help and support.  One of the latest messages on Facebook that received an overwhelming response of support was posted by Sammi Loo, the owner of Ootori, Mezza 9, Bebap Korean Eats and 1928 Cocktails and Bites.  Below is a small part of the plea:

So I’m asking our community, from the heart:
Skip the chains.
Skip chain restaurants.
Choose local coffee shops.
Choose local restaurants.
Shop small stores and farmers markets.
Every single dollar you spend locally helps a real person right here in Rochester.
Because when you support small businesses, you’re not just buying something —
you’re helping a family stay afloat,
helping someone keep their job,
helping a dream stay alive.

 

If we don’t support each other, small businesses will slowly disappear. And once they’re gone, they’re gone for good.

Please don’t wait until your favorite local places close.

 

Support local today. Shop local. Eat local. Share this post. Bring a friend. Show up for your community.
We’re still here. We’re still fighting.
But we truly can’t do this without you. ❤️

Nicole Pierson is one of the many shares of the post above, and in her Facebook post she also stated this,

"we must support the incredible talent in our community or we don’t deserve to shake our heads in disbelief when they are gone."

I couldn't have said it better if I tried.

But I have to point out one thing that seems to have been missed as we are all talking about "support local"...our local radio stations.

Here's Why Supporting Local Should Also Include The Local Radio Stations

When a small business gets hit with a bad review or needs support, we don't just watch - we talk about it on-air and line because we're local too.

When businesses are struggling or just getting started, local radio helps spread the word. There is a really good chance someone discovered your business because we talked about it into a microphone (which I do every day on Y-105FM).  If you advertised on our radio stations...you are magnifying that message even more.

When nonprofits need help, we show up. Through our Townsquare Cares program we helped raise over $3 million in 2025 by emceeing events, volunteering, writing and producing Public Service Announcements, sharing our free community calendars and telling their stories on our websites.

And when "support local" includes phrases like, "you're helping a family stay afloat, helping someone keep their job"...that includes us.  We have watched people in our industry lose jobs - these words are real here too.

Townsquare Media is made up of actual locals in Rochester.  We're parents, drivers, customers, diners, sports parents, and yes...some of us have five cars thanks to teenagers (yep...that is me).  We live here, spend here, and care deeply for this community.

Supporting local doesn't stop at our local restaurants and shops.  It includes local radio. Please don't leave us out.

To the local businesses who advertise with us: we see you, we value you, and we couldn’t do this without you. 💛  Seriously.

To the workplaces and restaurants that play our stations all day, like Cascade Animal Medical Center & Inn...it genuinely makes us smile. Thank you.

As Sammi Loo said above, "Support local today...Show up for your community."  If our radio stations make your day a little better, help us spread the word too. Share this post, turn our stations on where you work, start advertising on our radio stations and websites, tell your friends, tell your coworkers - there's plenty of room here for everyone.

...and we will see you soon at one of our local businesses and restaurants.  If you listen, you'll probably find out where we went.  ;)