Every Community Has a Living Room

No matter where we go, we discover the heart of a community can be found in the middle

By Michael Ertel & Michelle Ertel

September 4^th, 2025

Real America isn't off the beaten path for locals

For those who confine their road trips to the interstates, the beauty of our country is hidden behind the generic facade of the too-familiar names of national chains.

Sure, the staff of these national chains are local, but an over-reliance on dining and shopping with the generica of our interstate exits blinds us to the real heartbeat of our great nation.

If the No Cure Caravan can impart any travel advice in these stories, we hope it can be that the best experiences aren't near the interstate.

“For those who confine their road trips to the interstates, the beauty of our country is hidden behind the generic facade of the too-familiar names of national chains.”

It was like we walked into someone's living room

Our recent NoCureCaravan road trip had us in the heart of southern Alabama.

The purpose of the trip was to hang out with Mike's sister Jennifer and her husband Randy at their family home in historic Magnolia Springs. Mike helped Randy with some remodeling, while Michelle and Jennifer caught up on all the happenings in each of their lives.

We knew we'd get southern charm in Magnolia Springs with Jennifer, Randy and their super-friendly neighbors. But the charm wasn't restricted to their little hamlet.

More than just barbecue and burgers on the menu

We explored the surrounding communities and happened upon a gem of the south in Fairhope, Alabama, Bill-E's.

What looked from the outside like a fun little place for barbecue and standard southern fare turned out to be so much more.

Spending time at Bill-E's was like being in a neighbor's living room.

Modern businesses have spent millions struggling to create artificial third places where everyone feels at home. Perhaps a visit to Bill-E's would save them the expense of consultants.

You can't fake genuine comfort, and places like Bill-E's showcase how an invested local owner and truly caring staff can make everyone feel like family.

The day we were there, it felt like the whole neighborhood had convened for a get-together. Turns out there was nothing special about our visit, it was just a standard Tuesday night at Bill-E's.

I had the opportunity to have a lengthy chat with Bill that evening. Surrounded by neighborhood kids playing in the courtyard and dogs frolicking out front, we shot the breeze about business models and our families.

To Bill -- the "E" is for his middle name, not his last -- his restaurant is a gathering place for his community. Great food is the magnet for we outsiders, but a neighborhood hug is what brings the locals.

There's a reason so many local businesses advertise on the tables and in menus of this kind of restaurant, as opposed to the national chains: they know the patrons of places like Bill-E's are also their most likely customers. The smart local plumbers, realtors and retail stores advertise where the locals are. And the locals are at Bill-E's.

“Modern businesses have spent millions struggling to create artificial third places where everyone feels at home. Perhaps a visit to Bill-E’s would save them the expense of consultants.”

How your business can learn from Bill's way.

The next morning, we went back to Bill-E's to check out the breakfast menu. What we witnessed impressed us even more.

The restaurant was packed with locals supporting a neighbor who was in need. Bill's parking lot was replete with motorcycles, sedans, trucks, minivans and SUVs sporting Alabama plates.

And here's the thing, nobody there made us feel like strangers. We heard the story of their neighbor, and felt like we were there visiting friends. Perhaps the subheading for this section is a bit misleading: as you can't bottle up a feeling of belonging.

Take a trip to Fairhope, Alabama if you'd like, but the business lesson is also likely in your town. Head to the diner, the mom-and-pop shop, or any place which doesn't advertise on a billboard. Check out the establishments with their name on the backs of little league jerseys, or on the cups and tables of the local restaurant.

Ask the locals where they feel most at home when not at home -- it is there you'll find that elusive third place.

Footnotes

This may go without saying, but it's important to point out: we got no freebies and received no special rates at Bill-E's. We simply met a man and his neighbors building a community of love and support at his restaurant. If you can't make it to Fairhope, Alabama, you can visit Bill-E's online at https://www.bill-es.com.