When The Vice President Visits

“Having the Vice President of the United States come to your shop, it’s an honor. I don’t care what side of the political spectrum you sit on. We’re very honored to have her here,” said Michelle Adams, co-owner of Classic Elements.

Expanding opportunities for small businesses and developing initiatives to meet their individual needs continues to be a focus for Vice President Harris as she hits the campaign trail. Earlier this month, she released her “Entrepreneurs & Innovators Policy Plan” that will support small businesses, entrepreneurs, innovation, and economic growth if she is elected president. Last week, she unveiled her New Way Forward plan, which offers their economic vision for the country.

In addition, Vice President Harris has taken the time to visit numerous small businesses in her current role, but has also made these stops somewhat of a hallmark during her presidential campaign. Here are a few businesses the Vice President has visited and what it means to them.

Leah & Louise – Charlotte, North Carolina

As previously noted, Vice President Harris stopped in to visit Leah & Louise, a locally-sourced restaurant that serves modern interpretations of Southern classics that honor Mississippi river valley foodways from Memphis to New Orleans, during a visit to Charlotte, North Carolina. Owner Subrina Collier shared in a recap of the visit that Vice President Harris took the time to interact with staff and guests and that, “This experience was a reminder of the strength and resilience of the small business community.”

Paschals – Atlanta, Georgia

In July, Vice President Harris made a trip to Paschal’s, a nearly 80-year-old Atlanta soul food restaurant whose patrons have included Aretha Franklin, Dizzy Gillespie, and Dr. Martin Luther King.

“Today, we had the honor of welcoming Vice President Kamala Harris to Paschal’s! As a cornerstone in the heart of Atlanta’s history, Paschal’s has always been a gathering place for political leaders and civil rights icons,” the company stated on Instagram. “It’s only fitting that Vice President Harris joined us today, continuing our legacy of hosting trailblazers and changemakers. Thank you, VP Harris, for your visit and for recognizing the significance of Paschal’s in the story of our nation.”

Cocina Adamex – Phoenix, Arizona

A few weeks later during a visit to Phoenix, she and Governor Tim Waltz stopped by Cocina Adamex, a downtown Mexican restaurant, and picked up a to-go order. Owner Adriana Zapata said the Vice President “is a very down-to-earth, very personable, very authentic kind person.”

“I don’t know what can top this. Knowing that we’re preparing food for such influential people, I don’t even know how I can put this into words,” Zapata added.

Della Soul Records – Grand Rapids, Michigan

Earlier this year, she dropped in to Della Soul Records in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and bought a Miles Davis album. “It was a joy to look through the impressive vinyl collection at Della Soul Records, the first Black woman-owned record store in Grand Rapids,” Vice President Harris posted in a Tweet about the visit.

“VP Harris immediately shared that she had heard about me and my journey and wanted to meet me while she was in town. That’s dope!” store owner Della Marie Levi shared in a Facebook post.

Classic Elements – Johnstown, Pennsylvania

In September, she visited Classic Elements, a bookstore, cafe, and wine bar, to meet the owners and staff and learn more about their opportunities and challenges. Her visit coincided with the store’s fifth anniversary and Adams said the Secret Service’s preparation for her visit was considerate of her business’ operations.

“They tried not to impact our business. I mean obviously there was a little bit of an impact. It’s been a hectic week, but it was totally worth it.” she said.

Washington, DC Area Businesses

The Vice President also does not just visit small businesses when she is traveling and has made a trip to many in the Washington, DC, area. For example, she has dropped by SMiZE & DREAM, an ice cream pop-up, Taqueria Habanero, and HR Records, where she bought Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong’s Porgy and Bess studio album and Charles Mingus’ Let My Children Hear Music.

“Put it like this — she knows her stuff. It felt good to realize it wasn’t just for her show and tell, you know? It was really a sincere ‘I need to pick up some records.’ So I loved that,” said owner Charvis Campbell.

Almost every presidential candidate voices their support for small business and a path to achieving the American Dream. However, Vice President Harris has gone above and beyond in this area and her many visits with entrepreneurs show that she is putting her money where her mouth is – one sweet treat at a time.