Patch Partners Supports Small Businesses in South Brunswick

There are dozens and dozens of small businesses in South Brunswick.

Some of them may be places you and your family frequent, businesses that have been in South Brunswick for as long as you can remember. And some may be your go-to places instead of national chains.

AOL Chairman and CEO Tim Armstrong may stand behind a global brand, but he believes in the power of small businesses. In his recent interview with Patch Partners, a website connecting business owners to Patch in local communities, he offered his insight into what can set a small business above the rest of the competition.

Small businesses can hold a lot of power if they are intuitive with their customer base, Armstrong said.

“Small businesses can be nimble and can have intimate relationships with their customers. Knowing what their customers want is a very big advantage.”

Armstrong also noted that real success lies in what your business offers that the competitors do not.

“The advice I would give is the same advice I give myself—how do you create a differentiated and time-saving experience versus your competition? If a consumer cannot tell another consumer what unique benefit you offer, you might be missing an opportunity,” he said.

Pierre's of South Brunswick is a perfect example of adapting to the changing marketplace.

As the economy fluctuates causing large corporate eateries to close their doors, Pierre's has endured by never being comfortable with the status quo.

"The trick to surviving in this economy has been the way this business was designed with different aspects," said owner Pierre Hage-Boutros. "When the deli was slow, the catering and banquet part were busy. So the different aspects of the business help make this place survive and grow stronger by having all kinds of services for different seasons and times of day. This is what makes our business grow, by servicing people with all of their culinary needs."

After purchasing the Old Butler, a small deli and general store on Georges Road in 1990, Pierre's Deli soon began to flourish and the eatery looked to expand. The facility then added a restaurant in 1995, and later added a bakery in 1997, after purchasing the property next to the deli. In 2001, the deli and bakery were moved to the same building after the restaurant underwent renovations, including the addition of a banquet hall.

Another way to support locally owned small businesses is to participate in American Express's Small Business Saturday on Nov. 24. Last year, over 100 million people participated in this day dedicated to supporting small businesses.

There are more articles and interviews about small businesses on Patch Partners, where you can also sign up for the Patch Partners newsletter and Patch Partners Twitter feed to stay better informed, grow your small business and strengthen your community.

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