wanda willis
cosby, TN (USA)
Role(s):
Founder/Owner/Principal
B.B.Q. Garden & Cafe
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Startup
Location:
cosby
Industry:
Food Service/Restaurant
Year Founded:
2004
Number Employees:
1-10 people
Description:
My restaurant is located in Cosby, TN about 30 miles out side of Gatlinburg (gateway to the smokies). It has a combined seating capacity of 75 people (indoor cafe and patio). Up until 2006 ($67,000 gross) sales increased by 30-40% each year but started backsliding in 2007. 2008 has been a disaster due to the lack of tourism caused by the failing economy. Unfortunately, I am shutting it down this November even though I have the BEST ribs and pulled pork in the southeast.
Secret recipes, special cooking methods, our own vegetable/flower garden, live music on the weekends and a covered patio gave the "Garden" unique appeal. It should not have failed and I am sure the failure is due to location, the economy and lack of advertizing funds. Another factor is my inability to aquire a beer licence (there's a school directly across the street). Local laws prohibit serving alcohol within 2000 feet of any public building.
In conclusion, I have over 20,000 dollars in commercial equipment I can't sell. Again, the economy! Scrap Stainless steel that was going for over 1.00 a pound in June is now selling for .10 cents!!