10/13/2026
❤️ A Message From My Heart as a Small Business Owner ❤️
I want to share something that I believe many small business owners can relate to.
Small businesses are struggling right now, and I don’t think everyone realizes how much it takes to keep our doors open.
As the owner of El Toro Steakhouse, I love my community. I love helping people, supporting fundraisers, donating to good causes, and giving back whenever I can. But I also have to be realistic about what my business can afford.
Sometimes people see a full parking lot, customers coming through the doors, and a busy restaurant, and they assume we are making lots of money. But sales are not the same as profit.
Behind those doors, we have employees to pay, payroll taxes, unemployment insurance, building insurance, utilities, food, supplies, maintenance, and so many other expenses that people don’t see. We are not just running businesses; we are providing jobs, supporting families, and contributing to our local economy.
Every donation we make comes out of a business that is already working hard to survive.
That is why I have made a decision. Moving forward, El Toro Steakhouse will have a limited budget for donations and fundraisers. We will be more selective about the causes we support, prioritizing people and organizations that genuinely need help and those who also support our business.
I believe support should go both ways. ❤️
Please don’t misunderstand me. I have a big heart, and if I could help everyone, I absolutely would. But having a big heart doesn’t mean having an unlimited bank account.
I am not saying this to complain or to make anyone feel bad. I am saying it because small business owners have to make difficult decisions every single day to keep their businesses alive.
We love supporting our community, but we need our community to support us, too.
Before asking a small business for another donation, remember that even a simple lunch, dinner, recommendation, or kind word can help that business continue giving back.
Thank you to everyone who continues to support El Toro Steakhouse. Your support means more than you know.
Small businesses have big hearts, but we also have big responsibilities. ❤️
Thais Carpenter
Owner, El Toro Steakhouse
Elkins, West Virginia