BY BRANDY TEMPLETON 

A small group of local business supporters descended on Downtown Statesville on Wednesday evening to help a new shop and a well-established brewery. 

Participants in the Downtown Statesville Development Corporation’s “Cash Mob” event got to check out everything Vault Provisions has to offer — and financially support the new venture on Center Street.

About 20 people met up outside the DSDC’s office and then walked around the corner to Vault Provisions, where they spent $20 each on cookie dough, gummy worms, chocolate and spicy peanuts, and dog treats, among other things.

Owner Travis Scott describes his business as a “grab-and-go community market.” He and his wife sell snacks, frozen meals, drinks, cheeses, and other specialty items that support North Carolina businesses. They also have products from Italy.

“About 80 percent of our products are made in North Carolina,” he said. “‘Buy local’ resonates.”

Scott said he was appreciative of the DSDC’s effort to support his business.

From Vault Provisions, the group walked down the street to Red Buffalo Brewing Co. for a few drinks and social time.

“I think it’s cool to bring a group of Statesvillians who already know (about Red Buffalo), but it’s kind of re-energizing everything,” said owner Joe Bondi.

DSDC Secretary Jennifer Grant said the outing was a positive experience for the businesses and community members.

“It promotes business by getting people into stores they might not have seen,” she said. “It blesses businesses and gives community members a chance to meet each other and socialize.”