Local Shops Turn Distinctive Stories Into Millions of Views

A food creator’s video of Staci’s Sandwich Joint drew about 2 million views across his platforms, the Verona, New Jersey, shop’s owners told Entrepreneur. The feature was one of six small businesses’ marketing stories in the magazine’s September 22 report.

The Puleos said they began posting about their restaurant and highlighting other owners who visited. Mohamed Traore, known online as @mostasting, later featured their sandwiches. The owners said the video put the shop “on the map,” but did not disclose its cost or how many customers it brought in.

Another standout came from Dead People’s Stuff in Oklahoma City. Owners Curran and Marymar Fudge said a quick video panning across their stained-glass doors and lights reached 6.2 million views. A separate post tied to a live production of “Killers of the Flower Moon” received 654,000 views.

The shops’ other tactics were more community-focused. Chicago florist Flowers for Dreams gave bouquets to couples at City Hall and spotlighted nonprofit workers. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, salon Gadzooks promoted services to nurses with posters and practical giveaways during National Nurses Week.

Some businesses used their craft or local networks as the draw. Schimpff’s Confectionery in Jeffersonville, Indiana, posts videos of candy being made by hand, while Anchorage tour operator Salmon Berry Travel & Tours joined Visit Anchorage and the Alaska Travel Industry Association to connect with visitors and tourism ambassadors. Schimpff’s also offers live candy-making demonstrations at its museum.

The examples show several routes to visibility: distinctive products, community ties, and partnerships with people who already have an audience. But views alone do not show whether a campaign paid off. The businesses shared no comparable figures for marketing spend, new customers or sales, so the reach of a viral post should not be mistaken for its financial return.