15 Stories: Patrick and Fanny Panella, Chez Nous, Charleston, SC

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The simple-yet-elevated dishes served at Chez Nous make every Saturday a day to celebrate. For Patrick and Fanny Panella, owners of Chez Nous, however, one Saturday is particularly important.     

In 2010, American Express founded Small Business Saturday® to encourage support for small businesses. Since then, it has helped generate over $200 billion in reported sales* to help communities across the country thrive. For Patrick and Fanny Panella, Small Business Saturday offers a chance to reflect on themselves not just as restauranteurs, but as small-business owners. The pair views the day as important not only to their sense of how they fit in with the small-business community, but also to inspire both locals and tourists to both shop – and dine – small.    

Customers who have opted to dine small have been a key part of Chez Nous’ growth story. The restaurant started with a simple concept – a limited menu of two appetizers, two entrees and two desserts, refreshed daily and inspired by ingredients and dishes drawn from their experiences in France, Italy, and Spain. At first, Patrick and Fanny feared that some would be reluctant to embrace the smaller, more directed menu, but found that diners quickly – and emphatically – warmed up to the concept. Since then, the restaurant has earned accolades among critics and a stable suite of loyal fans who frequent the restaurant to enjoy the Western European fare and charming atmosphere.    

Want to learn more about how to encourage your customers to Shop Small on Small Business Saturday? Visit the Small Business Saturday Resource Hub for marketing materials and business insights that can help you engage with your customers and find new ones. You can also read stories from 15 small businesses that have seen success on Small Business Saturday and beyond. 

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*Disclosure:  This spend statistic is an aggregate of the average spend as reported by consumers who shopped small on Small Business Saturday in surveys commissioned by American Express reporting spend habits on Small Business Saturday since 2012. It does not reflect actual receipts, sales or American Express Card Member spending data.