Business

Social media efforts helped drive sales on Main Street during Small Business Saturday Nov. 24, although retailers in other areas of the county report mixed results.

Created by American Express in 2010, the event encourages shoppers to visit local stores on the Saturday after Thanksgiving — the day after Black Friday.

Local merchants rely on Facebook and other social media tools to promote the event, while American Express advertises nationally on television. American Express also provides promotional materials to retailers.

ConAgra Foods announced a hefty purchase this morning to stock their pantry.

ConAgra, owner of Banquet, Chef Boyardee, Egg Beaters, Healthy Choice, Hebrew National, Hunt's, Marie Callender's, Orville Redenbacher's, PAM, Peter Pan, Reddi-wip, Slim Jim and Snack Pack food brands, has acquired Ralcorp Holdings Inc.

Ralcorp, valued at $6.8 billion including debt, is the largest manufacturer of private label food in the United States and is the parent company of Carriage House, which operates a plant in Buckner.

The locally-produced, artisan-quality trend is taking hold in another industry — and one Pewee Valley man hopes to be ahead of the curve.

First it was cheese, wine, bread and beer — all products seeing a rise in “craft” production focused on small batches and special ingredients.

Now, it’s spirits. Bourbon, vodka and other spirits are being produced by micro-distillers across the country.

North Oldham residents with a sweet tooth will have a new place to grab a bite when a new dessert shop opens in Prospect.

Popular local chain Homemade Ice Cream and Pie Kitchen will open in mid-October on U.S. 42 at the corner of River Road.

Pie Kitchen owner Adam Burckle said the company has looked for a Prospect location for about four years — and thinks he found the perfect spot in the former Java Brewing Company.