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Steve Whited has been serving seafood and steak to the citizens of LaGrange for more than a decade.

All of that changed with a recent cancer diagnosis, forcing him to close his restaurant, Captain’s Cove.

We’re sad any time a small, local business closes down. It’s an economic loss for the community, in the form of jobs that are eliminated. It’s also the loss of a lunch spot, a takeout favorite or a gathering space for family friends.

Locally-owned restaurants are what makes towns, including LaGrange, unique. Fast-food, fast-casual and sit-down chains can be found anywhere. They look the same from city to city, and they funnel your dollars to big, faceless corporations.

But a local joint has character and history. It often has a personal touch, a distinguishing twist when you experience it. It’s locally owned, and keeps your money in the community.

Small businesses across the country are already struggling with the economic downturn caused by COVID-19. But the Whiteds are suffering from another plague that is all too familiar for Americans — medical bills.

For the past month, they’ve been selling off everything in the restaurant. In another effort to raise funds, the family is hosting a bike and jeep car show on Aug. 15 at the Richard English Building on Lafayette Parkway. Registration will be held from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., and the ride begins at 11 a.m. The cost to enter a vehicle is $25, which includes a meal ticket and entry to the car show.  We encourage our readers to participate and help the Whited family through this difficult time.

Steve Whited’s family and employees told us how his workers became part of a family, treating them fairly and serving as a mentor.

Captain’s Cove has also been a place for life occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, rehearsal dinners, wakes and high school reunions. The car show is an apt way to give back from those who made memories at Whited’s restaurant.