SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — As many reflect on what they’re thankful for this time of year, some small businesses in San Diego are taking the time to give a big thank you to their landlords. Those landlords also happen to be the owners of D.Z. Akins, a long-standing family restaurant. The owner of consignment shop "Looks Better On Me" in the same shopping center said times have been tough for her store so she wanted to extend gratitude for the great landlords and share a message about the importance of supporting small businesses. "Their family is amazing. I actually was a waitress there for 14 years," Trish Donnelly said.  The Akins family gave her a push to pursue her own business and they’ve also played a big role in keeping the shop alive. "Without their support and understanding and extreme patience, I wouldn’t still be here," Donnelly said. Customers know D.Z. Akins for the food and service they’ve been providing San Diego for 45 years through the restaurant, bakery and deli. "It’s just that friendly, they’re not a number here," owner Debi Akins said. However, many may not know the Akins family are also landlords to Donnelly and her neighboring businesses. "They do a great job at just minimizing our rent, making sure we have what we need to succeed, and support our community," said Melissa Child, owner of Salon Sagrado. Child has her own personal connection to the center as her mom was once the general manager of D.Z. Akins. Oly Pittman is a second-generation business owner, running the long-time chiropractic office next door. "We get a lot of repeat customers, my patients, for the hair salon, or for the clothes, as well as the restaurant. So even the people kind of become a small little community," Pittman said. In a time when many are reeling from skyrocketing rent, tenants recognize Debi and Zvika Akin for treating them like family. "We own the building for many years now. We didn’t pay top dollar for it so we don’t have to ask top dollar," Akin said. Donnelly from Looks Better On Me says even with amazing landlords, she’s still fighting to keep the shop open. She’ll be holding a huge clearance in December to help stay in business.