As Austinites, we are fortunate to have a diverse and thriving local business community. Three businesses that are particularly beloved by locals are I Luv Video, BookPeople, and Micklethwait Craft Meats. While these businesses may seem unrelated, they are all connected by their commitment to quality, community, and the unique experiences they offer.
I Luv Video, founded in 1984, is a video rental store that has survived the rise of streaming services like Netflix and Hulu. The store, which boasts a collection of over 35,000 titles, has become a staple in Austin’s cultural landscape. According to owner Conrad Bejarano, the store’s success is due to its focus on community and the “human element” of browsing and discussing films with knowledgeable staff members (Lopez, 2017).
Similarly, BookPeople, which has been open since 1970, has maintained its status as an Austin institution by prioritizing community engagement and literary events. The store hosts over 300 author events per year and has been recognized as one of the best independent bookstores in the country (BookPeople, n.d.). By fostering a sense of community around reading and writing, BookPeople has become more than just a bookstore; it is a cultural hub for Austinites of all ages and backgrounds.
Finally, Micklethwait Craft Meats, a food truck turned brick-and-mortar restaurant, has garnered a loyal following for its Texas-style barbecue and unique menu offerings. Owner Tom Micklethwait’s dedication to using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients and his commitment to perfecting his craft have earned the restaurant numerous accolades, including a spot on Texas Monthly’s list of the Top 50 Barbecue Joints in Texas (Texas Monthly Staff, 2021). Like I Luv Video and BookPeople, Micklethwait Craft Meats has prioritized quality and community in its pursuit of success.
So what connects these three businesses? It is their commitment to providing unique experiences that prioritize community and quality. In a world where convenience and efficiency are often prioritized over human connection and craftsmanship, businesses like I Luv Video, BookPeople, and Micklethwait Craft Meats remind us of the value of taking the time to connect with one another and enjoy the finer things in life. By prioritizing community and quality over profit, these businesses have become beloved fixtures in Austin’s cultural landscape and serve as a reminder of the importance of supporting local businesses.
References:
BookPeople. (n.d.). About. Retrieved September 28, 2021, from https://www.bookpeople.com/about
Lopez, M. (2017, September 29). Austin’s last video rental store thrives in the age of Netflix. The Texas Tribune. https://www.texastribune.org/2017/09/29/austins-last-video-rental-store-thrives-age-netflix/
Texas Monthly Staff. (2021, May 18). The Top 50 Barbecue Joints in Texas. Texas Monthly. https://www.texasmonthly.com/food/the-list-the-top-50-barbecue-joints-in-texas/
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