Local small business is the heart of our community

This year has been a year...I mean A YEAR. Times are crazy and I think we’ve all been struggling to reconcile our thoughts and feelings about all that has transpired. Factor in the reality that it’s been virtually impossible to gather and participate in our favorite sport, you’ve got a recipe for a bunch of squirrely runners, to say the least. 

The 605 Day in Sioux Falls was an exciting opportunity for our city and state to showcase what makes our beloved state unique. As a local shop in town with 605 in bold numbers outside our front door, we look forward to this day each summer, hoping to make it better than the last. It is prime time for people to start running, walking, and cycling as the weather is finally warm, thus filling the streets with people looking to get some exercise and fresh air. 

There was a heaviness though, as we approached this year’s 605 Day. We have faced separation from family and friends because of coronavirus, forcing us to deny our natural human instinct for companionship and socialization. Then, this past week we were confronted with the uncomfortable, devastating reality of the deep divide that still exists in this country between white communities and communities of people of color, specifically the Black community. And while we all look forward to gathering again for group runs and fellowship and delicious dinners and nights out on the town, we feel it is important to acknowledge the deep pain, frustration, and suffering that these communities--our brothers and sisters--are feeling, and have felt for decades. 

605 Running Company is a proudly owned local shop, and joins numerous other locally owned businesses in our community. We feel it’s imperative to support other local businesses and business owners, but today we would like to specifically highlight restaurants and businesses that are owned by members of the Black community, as well as other businesses owned and operated by people of color. 

Restaurants 

• Hagere Ethiopian Restaurant - 2113 S. Minnesota Ave - Offers authentic Ethiopian food at reasonable prices and with healthy options!
• Lalibela’s Ethiopian Restaurant - 200 S. Kiwanis Ave - Located in the heart of Sioux Falls and owned by a family of Ethiopians who call South Dakota home, Lalibela’s is located in the heart of Sioux Falls and uses food to bring together family, community, and tradition. https://www.lalibelasf.com/our-story 
• Swamp Daddy’s Cajun Kitchen - 421 N Phillips Ave This restaurant located right in DTSF brings southern comfort food from its Louisiana owners to the midwest, with a menu filled with Cajun and Creole favorites. 
• O So Good - 529 North Main Ave, Garretson, SD 57030 - Owned by Omar Thornton and family, this restaurant offers a menu specializing in seafood and comfort food with a Southern flair.
• OG Greens - 421 N. Phillips Ave - Another great option located in the heart of downtown, OG Greens specializes in your healthy options like flavorful salad and grain bowls. 

Hair, Health, and Other Businesses

• Geek Boy LLC. Barbershop - 3209 S. Prairie Ave, Sioux Falls - A local barbershop whose mission is to “Bring style and confidence into the lives and lifestyles of our clients, customers, and friends”. 
• 5 Star Cutz N Salon - 318 W. 18th St - Owned by Tyrone Wilson, 5 Star Cutz N Salon runs the gamut of services offered, from adults to kids, beard trims, and chemical processing.
• Tigg’s Hair Design - 326 E. 8th St, Suite 104 - Located in the heart of DTSF!
• Little Tyke’s University - 720 S. Sycamore Ave - Owned by Corri Poore, Little Tyke’s University is available to meet your preschooler’s needs!
• Wake by Tyler Blake - 4301 S. Racket Dr Suite 101 - Owned by Tyler Blake, this streetwear clothing brand aims to create a culture around self-love and self-awareness.
• Fine Line Designs - Owned by married couple Lamarquis and Danielle, Fine Line Designs specializes in custom decor for your home. Check out their Facebook page for more information on how to order or see a gallery of their beautiful work!
• Think 3D Solutions - 401 E. 8th St, suite 207 - The leaders at Think 3D offer motivational opportunities for both individuals and employers, helping to improve leadership skills and work culture. 

At 605 Running Company, we pride ourselves on our relationship with our running community and the Sioux Falls community as a whole, and we believe that local small business is the heart of what makes Sioux Falls so special. During these uncertain, trying, emotional times, it is more important than ever to love and support one another, so we encourage you to continue to support local business, and take some time to check out some places you’ve never shopped or eaten at before. We love Sioux Falls and The 605!

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This blog post was submitted by contributors Maren Ernst and Carter Gronseth.

Maren Ernst has been a contributor to 605 Running Company for four years. When not working at the shop Maren enjoys riding her bike or motorcycle, painting, reading and spending quality time with her friends and family.
Instagram: @maren_runs_the_605
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Carter Gronseth has been a contributor to 605 Running Company for three years. When she is not working at the shop Carter embraces a good lake day, spending quality time with family and friends and exploring new adventures.