Landon Dreher
Dora, AL (USA)
Role(s):
Founder/Owner/Principal
Catfish Cafe
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Startup
Location:
Dora
Industry:
Food Service/Restaurant
Year Founded:
2008
Number Employees:
1-10 people
Description:
I have been a owner of a seasonal Restaurant in Alabama on Smith Lake. I had private finance. Due to the high cost of gas over the last two years and the low water at lake the traffic diminished. I left it open thru the winter to build up local patrons and also waiting on some condos to be built near the restaurant. The main reason why I decided to purchase this restaurant was the potential business that would be created if condos were built. This did not happen. I sold back the restaurant.
The one thing that I purchased was some great recipes, and some experience that is priceless.
My idea was to have a restaurant in the area that I live in which specializes in Catfish, shrimp, steaks and the best ribs that you can eat. The area that I live in does not have this type restaurant and really has no steak or seafood type food available unless you travel 30 to 40 minutes to a larger town. I have a location that is or could be ready to open in a matter of 2 or 3 weeks. It is located in a shopping center in Sumiton, Al.
I understand that money is tight and I have not personally tried bank funding due to the fact that I am sure I could get funding. I have a good track record and I have good credit but I have a lot of revolving credit that I used when owning other restaurant. I used personal money and crdit cards to operate the restaurant and this has pulled my score down. I plan to continue to work on my present job for the time being along with my wife. I have good people ready to work for us.
The one thing that I am tring to do is have a restaurant that is family friendly and one that we can operate and be a a value to the community as in dollars and as in a business the city can be proud of. The surrounding area population would be around 10,000 within a 15 mile radius.