Coming into the Santa Barbara Independent’s Best of Santa Barbara® week — and the Fed’s rate decision — seems like the perfect time to talk about price versus value and math versus emotion. What the Fed did rate-wise tells us their pensive state about cold, economic data — where they feel a move could have the most positive impact for America. The companies that comprise our local Best of Santa Barbara® winners, runners-up, and finalists tell us much about ourselves — the values we uphold and the entrepreneurs who followed their hearts to create the most positive impact for our community.
It is awesome to see readership rally around local spots, folks, collaborations, and concepts. It’s also important to note that for all the voters that supported these companies, almost as many supported those not recognized here. Alternatives and competition exist for a reason, and they help us determine what does and doesn’t fit. We place value in what we feel gives us the best return; we trade votes and dollars for what we think is right. We want what is accessible, reliable, and dependable.
So, what is local worth to you? What if you hit up your favorite local spot and they don’t have an item in stock, or the wait is longer than you anticipated? Do you pivot? Do you wait?