NEW YORK — After the crowds have shopped at large stores and sprawling malls on Black Friday, many smaller businesses are hoping Saturday will be their day.

Thousands of small stores, restaurants, spas — and even dry cleaners — across the United States will offer their own discounts and promotions to draw holiday shoppers on what’s known as Small Business Saturday.

American Express created the day three years ago, it says, to help small businesses struggling during the recession. The credit card company offers a $25 statement credit to cardholders who have registered in advance online if they buy something at participating businesses.

A search of the special web page set up for Small Business Saturday reveals many businesses that most people don’t think of as places to buy gifts, including restaurants and dry cleaners taking part.

In Lexington, among the many restaurants included is downtown’s Village Host Pizza, which recently began opening at 8 a.m. on weekends to serve breakfast.

“We appreciate the support from American Express, and it’s definitely a good week to be having that with so many out and about,” said owner Evan Trommer. “Saturdays are typically slow being a downtown restaurant, so it’s nice to have those extra incentives out there to get folks out.”

Another participating local business is florist and greenhouse company Michler’s.

“One of the most satisfactions of shopping locally with small businesses is you really support the economic fabric of our city a lot more,” said owner John Michler.

Herald-Leader business writer Scott Sloan contributed to this report.