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Three Main Street America Staff members standing in front of a mural in Marion, Iowa.

Marion, Iowa © Tasha Sams

About

We work in collaboration with thousands of local partners and grassroots leaders across the nation who share our commitment to advancing shared prosperity, creating resilient economies, and improving quality of life.

Overview Who We Are How We Work Partner Collaborations Our Supporters Our Team Job Opportunities Contact Us
Two community members in Emporia Kansas pose with a sign saying "I'm a Main Streeter"

Emporia, Kansas © Emporia Main Street

Our Network

Made up of small towns, mid-sized communities, and urban commercial districts, the thousands of organizations, individuals, volunteers, and local leaders that make up Main Street America™ represent the broad diversity that makes this country so unique.

Overview Coordinating Programs Main Street Communities Collective Impact Awards & Recognition Community Evaluation Framework Join the Movement
Dionne Baux and MSA partner working in Bronzeville, Chicago.

Chicago, Illinois © Main Street America

Resources

Looking for strategies and tools to support you in your work? Delve into the Main Street Resource Center and explore a wide range of resources including our extensive Knowledge Hub, professional development opportunities, field service offerings, advocacy support, and more!

Overview Knowledge Hub Field Services Government Relations Main Street Now Conference Main Street America Institute Small Business Support Allied Member Services The Point Members Area
People riding e-scooters in Waterloo, Iowa

Waterloo, Iowa © Main Street Waterloo

The Latest

Your one-stop-shop for all the latest stories, news, events, and opportunities – including grants and funding programs – across Main Street.

Overview News & Stories Events & Opportunities Subscribe
Woman and girl at a festival booth in Kendall Whittier, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Kendall Whittier — Tulsa, Oklahoma © Kendall Whittier Main Street

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Join us in our work to advance shared prosperity, create strong economies, and improve quality of life in downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts.

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Downloads

Staying Rooted Through Growth with Kristin Smith, The Wrigley Appalachian Eatery

In this episode of Main Street Business Insights, Matt sat down with Kristin Smith, chef and proprietor of The Wrigley Appalachian Eatery in Corbin, Kentucky.


Show Notes

In this episode of Main Street Business Insights, Matt sat down with Kristin Smith, chef and proprietor of The Wrigley Appalachian Eatery in Corbin, Kentucky. 

As a fourth-generation Appalachian Main Street merchant partnered with a strong passion for the local food movement, Kristin began her path to entrepreneurship by working at her family farm selling heritage pork and dry-aged beef at the local farmer’s market (which she also helped found along with a group of local women). The products were slow to sell, so Kristin began cooking the meat at the market to offer patrons a taste. Before long, the prepared food was far outselling the packaged products. When a historic property in downtown Corbin became available, Kristin knew it was time to move into a brick-and-mortar space. 

Since launching The Wrigley Taproom and Eatery, the business has been featured in Time Magazine and The Food Network, and Kristin landed a spot on James Beard Foundation’s Women Entrepreneurial Leadership group in 2023. But outside of the national acclaim they’ve received, Kristin and her team’s primary objective is to stay rooted in their local community. 

In their conversation, Kristin talks about her deep roots in Appalachia and small-town business ownership, her strong belief in authentic community building, and why she’s saying no” more often. 

Further Reading: The Wrigley Taproom & Eatery | James Beard Foundation Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership | Downtown Corbin | Kentucky Main Street

  • Interior brick wall with old-fashioned advertisement for Wrigley's spearmint gum painted on wall.

    The Wrigley Appalachian Eatery in Corbin, Kentucky © Matt Wagner

  • Exterior signage outside of a brick building. Sign hanging on light post reads, "The Wrigley Taproom & Eatery"

    The Wrigley Appalachian Eatery in Corbin, Kentucky © Matt Wagner

  • Man and woman smile with arms around one another in front of brickwall

    The Wrigley Appalachian Eatery in Corbin, Kentucky © Matt Wagner


About the Main Street Business Insights Podcast

Each week, join host Matt Wagner, Ph.D., as he travels the country and takes a deep dive into the personal journeys of downtown and neighborhood entrepreneurs. The stories that far too often go unheard. Learn about the innovative ways that these Main Street businesses have overcome adversity, whether it’s starting a new enterprise or keeping a multi-generation business alive, and the advice they have for others on how to keep their businesses on track. Main Street Business Insights is powered by Main Street America.