Restaurants are Microcosms of Our Society

There is no better representation of society than a restaurant.

True statement.

Only took me way too long to come up with. Still, it’s the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Restaurants are microcosms of our society. The great, good, okay, bad, ugly, incredible, memorable, forgettable, impressive, cool, wondrous, disastrous, dangerous, sensational, terrifying, informative, remarkable aspects of society…our places of dining encapsulate them all.

They’re longstanding, brick-and-mortar records of human existence. I know, I know…sounds dramatic. But isn’t that what society is at a bare bones level? An intricate entanglement of humanity’s existence?

Restaurants chip away at this like a sculptor molding precious marble. They widdle it down to their own individual establishments – these micro-representations of society at-large.

In restaurants, you have all the makings of a functioning society. Front-of-house, back-of-house…all packed with different “industries” and all functioning together to promote the culture and values of one unique establishment. To serve the diverse community that passes through the doors each day. The diverse array of people who, whether it’s via dine-in, takeout, or delivery, give their patronage to this particular place.

We are a society, and restaurants capture that.

Perhaps the best thing about our society is that—in the most dire times—we find ways to endure. We find ways to support one another. We persevere.

Even when it might not seem like it (trust me…I read the news). There’s a reason #supportlocal exists. There’s an answer to why so many restaurants—albeit while hanging from a ledge with sweaty palms—have endured.

People support them.

Let’s continue that. These restaurants thrive off people. Whether the world’s “normal” or not, restaurants act as a gateway to human interaction. The hard work of people, enjoyed by…people.

Now, more than ever, is the time to rally around these small businesses. Our restaurants that’ve been there for the late night save (you know what I’m talking about…) or, conversely, the early morning save, the perfect date night, the much needed comfort food, or the culinary learning experience.

Restaurants have our backs in the best and worst times. The least we can do is give back to these reflections of society. These gathering spots. These comforting reminders that perseverance is embedded in our DNA.

So, where’s dinner coming from tonight?