Today is all about shopping local. This Friday is National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day, celebrating the nation’s local small business owners with a small town, family vibe.

The Chattanooga region is home to popular mom and pop restaurants + small retail stores. But what defines a “mom and pop” business? These places are usually:

Independently-owned, family-controlled
Maintain a minimum amount of employees
Have a smaller business volume than most places
Not franchised
Only open in one location

Here are few classic mom and pop businesses in Chattanooga:

Bea’s Restaurant | 4500 Dodds Ave.
Family-owned since 1950, Bea’s Restaurant is the quintessential “mom and pop” restaurant. The food hasn’t changed a bit in four generations since Bill and Beatrice Steele opened shop and neither has the location.

Starline Books | 1467 Market St.
Every city needs an independent bookstore and Starline Books is Chattanooga’s version. Opened in 2015, the store is small but the friendly + knowledgeable staff (especially owner Star Lowe) will make you think twice before you buy books anywhere else.

Fast Break Athletics | 300 Cherokee Blvd.
Founded in 1977, Fast Break is Chattanooga’s oldest running shop. Owner Dick Dillard opened up the store in Eastgate Mall as “Athletic Attic.” Now, Alan Outlaw runs the show, but the store is all about local running with something for everybody.

We want to know your favorite mom and pop business in Chattanooga. Email us at hello@noogatoday.com to share your pick.