Once again OTBKB is thrilled to bring you the latest installment of Why Shop Local?

Daphne Scholz and Benjamin Granger are owners  Bierkraft. They will be participating in Buy in Brooklyn’s
Snowflake Celebration during the first two Thursdays in
December (12/4 and 12/11) by offering a 10% discount off any purchase over $15
with a receipt from that day from any fellow Park Slope merchant participating
in the Snowflake Celebration, free hot chocolate to sip as you shop and a free
mini spreader with any 1/2 lb or more purchase of cheese (as long as supplies
last).   

Q: When did you open for business and why did you choose Park Slope?

A: We opened in November 2001 and
my husband and I chose Park Slope because we live here.  We have a home
between Fifth and Sixth Avenues and we were excited to see the restaurant
selection expanding on Fifth Avenue.  It seemed logical to have a business
within easy commuting distance and where we would know our customers and they
would know us.  Though Ben does not live in Park Slope, he is engaged to
our daughter, who grew up here, so the neighborhood ties are strong. 

Bierkraft Factoid: Their cheese
case is inhabited! They keep little plastic animals, dinosaurs and Mardi
Gras crawfish (come see for yourself) amongst the cheeses in their cheese
case.  Although they are very serious about our cheese, they don’t take
themselves seriously. Customers are welcome to play with and rearrange the
beasties while they are at the shop as well as take a creature home with them,
as need be. 

Q: Which of the Sustainable Business
Network NYC’s "Top Ten Reasons" to shop locally
resonate most with you & your business?

A: Reason # 7. Local business owners invest in community.
When folks come to us looking for donations for fundraisers we are often happy
to oblige with a gift certificate.  That way we get to support worthy
causes within the community and the gift certificate brings people into the
shop.   

Shop Local Factoid: Local businesses are owned by people
who live in this community, are less likely to leave, and are more invested in
the community’s future.

"Why Shop Local?" is a communication initiative of the Buy in
Brooklyn team. To learn more about Park Slope’s Buy in Brooklyn campaign, visit
their website at http://www.buyinbrooklyn.com/.

Interview conducted by Rebeccah Welch