Strength in Community, Power in Partnership
With a gifted Chamber membership, Mast General Store invests in Pearl’s Kitchen + Tiny Market
When the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce added a new gifted membership option to its Summit Level benefits, the idea was simple: empower established businesses to extend opportunity to new ventures in our community. That’s exactly what Mast General Store did by supporting their neighbor, Pearl’s Kitchen + Tiny Market, a cozy new spot serving up fresh food, unique market finds, and local goodness in Valle Crucis.
“The business aligns with our values and fills a need in Valle Crucis, and we like to take care of our neighbors,” shared Laura from the Mast General Store team. “Opening a business is never easy, so anything Mast Store can do to support them in their early days is a priority, just as others have supported us.”
For Tina Houston, founder of Pearl’s and a long-time High Country restaurateur, the gesture was more than just helpful, it was deeply meaningful.
“This gesture says so much: we see you, we want you to succeed, and we need you in our neighborhood,” she said. “At times, it can feel like a luxury when you’re starting up to add a membership or subscription, but without a doubt, this is the most important and rewarding professional ‘club’ any small business can be a part of.”
Pearl’s was born out of a shared vision between its founders and Mast General Store to bring high-quality, community-focused food to Valle Crucis. Now, thanks to this Chamber connection, the Pearl’s team can lean on a broader network of support as they grow.
This gifted membership is just one example of how Summit Level members are using their benefits to invest in the long-term vitality of our local business community.
Want to learn more about how your business can grow through Chamber membership or how you can support others as they get started? Explore our membership levels or reach out directly to Patrick Setzer at patrick@boonechamber.com to start a conversation.