In an undeniably convoluted economic environment, restaurants and nightclubs act as the backbone of local communities. Through restaurant businesses, entrepreneurs like Michael LaBoy, help generate money for society, support the agricultural sector, and encourage job growth in the region. A national citizen generates nearly five times more financial benefits for their society when they choose to dine or shop at a local establishment. Thus, a local restaurant is not only a place where we make memories but is a business that supports the economic growth of our hometown.
Communities gather in meaningful ways at local restaurants, where they build connections and foster new relationships. Other than that, restaurants are the driving force of regional food culture, passing down recipes and agricultural practices from one generation to another. When a person decides to eat out at a local restaurant or decides to run a restaurant business, they are putting their money back into the hands of society. This way, these restaurant owners and citizens not only contribute to the economy but also help a country in the preservation of agriculture and local cuisine.
The restaurant industry is a financial powerhouse as it alone affects approximately 10% of the world’s economy. By choosing to support restaurants in their vicinity, individuals are contributing to the development of their community. When a restaurant succeeds, it consequently leads to an increase in the local economy because of the tax revenue generated in the region.
As the restaurant business is expanding at a rate three times faster than that of any other sector, it has helped in the creation of jobs as well. Many aspiring hospitality professionals often get their first jobs at neighborhood restaurants, which in many cases results in fulfilling careers. Therefore, we can say that restaurants in a way also serve as community hubs. Leading restaurants of the country support nearby farms and encourage the production of regional products, thus, not only offering the best foods of the region but also promoting the agricultural industry.
Restaurants, especially pizza joints or barbecue joints, foster a sense of community and camaraderie as these are the places where all the locals go to pick up snacks, hang out with family and friends, or tailgate before a big game. One such pizza joint where people are offered pizzas, pies, drinks, hookahs, and bottle service, along with entertainment is The Smoking Pie, which was established amid the chaos of the pandemic in 2020 by the American entrepreneur, social media influencer, and travel enthusiast, Michael Jason LaBoy, with the purpose of providing people a place to relax and enjoy.
LaBoy, born on 12th March 1986, aspired to become a successful entrepreneur since childhood. Therefore, immediately after acquiring his Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management from St. John’s University, NY, in 2010, LaBoy started working as a taxi driver to save money for his restaurant business.
After tirelessly working for seven years, LaBoy was finally able to finance and invest in his business ventures. Even though LaBoy started from scratch, he soon became the owner of a chain of restaurants and nightclubs. However, his businesses were affected greatly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite the pandemic, his clubs and restaurants have hosted various notable celebrities such as Floyd Mayweather, 2 Chainz, Juelz Santana, Tory Lanez, Rowdy Rebel, Kevin Durant, DJ Drewski, MadeInPhilly, Bobby Lytes, J Prince Jr, Trina, Jerome Baker, Lou Williams, JR Smith, Tim Hardaway Jr, Shane Larkin, Styles P, Rappers Vado, Maino Jaquae Fred Da Godson, Angela Simmons, Jada Kiss, Casanova Cassidy, Mobb Deep, Memphis Bleek, Safaree, DJ Shelf, Dave East, DJ Snuff, DJ Sussone, Maria Lynn, Don Q, Uncle Murda, Young M.A, Cardi B, Troy Ave, Tony Yayo, Manolo Rose, Capone n Noreaga, Vado, Red Café & JR Writer, True Life, Joe Budden Jim Jones, Kid the Wiz, Phaser, and Erica Mena.
LaBoy developed a passion for music after a series of successful collaborations with several artists in his clubs. In 2020, he stepped into the music industry and has since created famous tracks like, “The Smoking Pie,” “Throw 1’s,” “Taking Flights,” “Happy Hour,” and “Consistent.” Through his restaurant businesses and musical career, LaBoy has not only proved his versatility but has also set an example for aspiring entrepreneurs that one can achieve success if they set their mind to it despite their color, cast, or race.
