Trying to live the dream......

missionsusmc · Posted: Dec 13 2008 Post subject:

Wow. What a story. I'd love to open up a bbq place, and I know of a prime location in my town which doesn't have a bbq place yet. However, I work 50 hours a week in a factory, don't have any cash, and with the economy the way it is right now, don't think I could get a loan.

I feel like I'm a part of your life now. You've written about everything that has happened...the ups and the downs. Makes me feel like I was up there with you (and I wish I was, cuz I'll work for food.) Very Happy

I wish you the best of luck now and in the future. If I ever get back up into IL, I'll come by and have some of your food.

Couple of questions, though. Did you ever get your beer license? And how big is your town? I grew up in a town of about 2500 folks in NW Florida. My best guesstimation on your town would be about 1500 - 2000. That about right? I could be way off.

Again, best of luck, and never give up.

Trey
_________________
"Never trust a skinny cook."
"Real men pass gas and use hickory."
"Happiness is...a belt-fed weapon."

Mary had a little lamb, a little brisket, a little ribs, and boy she was full!!!

BBQnIL · Posted: Dec 21 2008 Post subject:

Oki let me fill ya'll in on what has been going on. I did not purchase the restaurant across the street. I felt that the overhead and employees were a negative. I feel more comfy where I am and I know that what I have is working. Nope never did go for the liquor license. I realize I don't need it. There is a bar next door. If a customer wants to bring in a beer they surely can. And in fact about 1 in 100 do so. I let one waitress and a dish washer go. I am picking up the slack on the dishes during my down time between customers or during the after lunch lull. Then when I close for the evening the waitress jumps on them and knocks em out while I clean up the kitchen. Just had another HD inspection and scored a 96. Was happy with that for sure. I am hanging in here. This time of year is slow up here. Just hope I can make it to about march when it really picks back up.

Todd
_________________
Main Street BBQ
Wyanet, IL
http://mainstreetbbq.biz
http://www.facebook.com/mainstreetbbq
http://www.twitter.com/mainstreetbbq
If you BBQ it.... They will come!

Fatrat · Posted: Dec 21 2008 Post subject:

Great job. Perhaps in the spring, when I take a bunch of kids hiking through the Starved Rock area, or shooting at Buffalo Rock I'll get the chance to stop by. I would love to see the place and try some of your Q. Hang in there and ride out the slow times, there are times I think when we half heartedly wish for that little breather in the every day work.

Ray
_________________
Only when humor is married with intelligence does it become wit, until then it's just another dumb assed thing better left unsaid...

Brinkmann Southfork Smoker
Weber One Touch gold
Weber Performer
UDS
Cast Hibachi

handz98 · Posted: Dec 21 2008 Post subject:

Hang in there Todd, it sounds like you are on the right track. It has been fun "living the dream" with you following this thread. I'm not sure how you find time to post with all of the work that you've got going on. I grew up down the road a bit in Ottawa and still have family there. Next time I am up that way I will have to make a detour and pick up some Q for my family...as long as it's not better than mine, otherwise they wouldn't have a reason tome come and visit me Smile

Cliff
_________________
Peoria Custom Cookers 24" x 48" Trailer

crashpilot · Posted: Dec 22 2008 Post subject:

WOW!!

I'm going to watch this thread with earnest. Here in Wyoming everybody thinks that barbecue means grilling steaks and the opportunities for a BBQ restaraunt are fantastic. Like you I've had the same compliments, I have the same enthusiasm, and I've had the same impure thoughts about owning a restaraunt. The biggest differences between us (and the most critical) is that you've actually mustered enough sack to go forward with starting out with the restaraunt.

I wish you absolutly nothing but the best, I'm really rooting for you!! I hope you see sucess beyond your wildest dreams.

Please, don't let this thread die, keep us posted often!

Keep the smile on,
FT1(SS) Sean S.
_________________
Guppa D's BBQ
Stump's Stretch
WSM
Char-Broil Red 580 gasser
22" Weber Kettle
KCBS Certified BBQ Judge

mwillis · Posted: Dec 22 2008 Post subject:

BBQinILL,
Congrats on the successful business. I haven't read all ten pages yet, but as I get more time i definitely will read every page.
You might be interested in a guy from TN that has a blog where he keeps a pretty detailed diary of his business. The site is martinsbbqjoint.com. Great joint by the way!
I have wanted to do something like that for a long time. Came close a few times, but backed out. I may try something when I semi-retire.
I know you must have to work your tail off, but if you enjoy your work as much as is seems you do, that's got to be rewarding.
Keep up the good work! I wish you much success in the future.
Mike

coffin · Joined: 16 Jan 2009 Posts: 13 Location: maine

just read all ten pages anything new

fireman_pete · Posted: Feb 18 2009 Post subject:

This is a great read Todd.

I too have read all the pages (10+ I think) and I am living the dream through you.

I have always wanted to open a Q joint, but it is not in the works for me.

Look forward to reading more.

Take care

Pete

jeepdad · Posted: Feb 18 2009 Post subject:

BBQnIL as has been said many times on here "well done". I wish you all the best in business and that you still enjoy doing what you do.

I think the Smoke Ring moderators should make this a "sticky" for sure.

Fair Winds and Following Seas.

--jeepdad

BBQnIL · Posted: Feb 28 2009 Post subject:

Thank you all very much! I need to get some updates on here. I have been very busy. Lets see.... fryer fire... sigh... new roof on the building. Struggling with the time of year and the economy.... But with all that said we are hanging in here!!!

The health dept here was going broke until they figured out how to increase income. Take the annual fee from 90 to 310!! That was a nice surprise this year. We have enjoyed some successes as well as some minor setbacks over the last year and a half. I have never regretted a single minute of taking the leap. And unlike other jobs I have had, I look forward to coming to work every single day!!

Todd
_________________
Main Street BBQ
Wyanet, IL
http://mainstreetbbq.biz
http://www.facebook.com/mainstreetbbq
http://www.twitter.com/mainstreetbbq
If you BBQ it.... They will come!

roxy · Posted: Feb 28 2009 Post subject:

Keep at it Todd..

Anything worth doing is worth doing right...
_________________
Chargriller Akorn
WSM
LIAR #100
_________________
Do not rely on a rabbits foot for luck, it did not work out too well for the rabbit...

graybeard · Posted: Feb 28 2009 Post subject:

Good to see an update and glad to hear things are holding their own.

missionsusmc · Posted: Mar 01 2009 Post subject:

Todd, thanks for the update. Glad to hear most things are going well. Sorry about your fire and new roof. Didn't you have to replace the roof once before, because of a water leak? The economy is hitting everyone hard. This area of TN especialy, because we're mainly industrial. Lots of folks gettin laid off and such. I'm fortunate, but don't know how much longer my company will hold out.

Again, thanks for the update, and keep them coming.
_________________
"Never trust a skinny cook."
"Real men pass gas and use hickory."
"Happiness is...a belt-fed weapon."

Mary had a little lamb, a little brisket, a little ribs, and boy she was full!!!

missionsusmc · Posted: Jun 08 2009 Post subject:

Wanted to bring this thread back to the top.....Any new developments? How did your Spring time go? I've been meaning to check back with this thread for a while now, so...

Trey
_________________
"Never trust a skinny cook."
"Real men pass gas and use hickory."
"Happiness is...a belt-fed weapon."

Mary had a little lamb, a little brisket, a little ribs, and boy she was full!!!

zysmith · Posted: Jun 10 2009 Post subject:

It's midnight and I just finished reading this thread start to finish. 15 pages, took me near an hour!

Given that most restaurants don't make it through their first year and with the economy the way it is, it sounds like you are doing a great job. I wish I lived closer so I could drop by and expand your coffers while noshing on the obviously good food.

Keep up the good work and keep us all up to date.
_________________
Chris from Uxbridge,MA
Kingsford barrel grill with offset smoker
Weber Silver B gasser

stringbender128 · Posted: Jun 10 2009 Post subject:

best of luck to you.
_________________
Peoria Custom Cookers 24x48 Backyard Cooker
Weber Genesis S-330 Gasser

Capt Chrysler · BBQ Super Fan Joined: 24 Sep 2007 Posts: 438

BBQnIL/Todd

How are thing going?

Capt. Chrysler

h00kemh0rns · Posted: Jul 01 2009 Post subject:

I'm interested as well how things are going. Could you post a quick list of your ups/downs and what you've learned when venturing into owning your own biz?
_________________
Daniel

http://www.bigsteelkeg.com/

My Keg can kick your Egg's ceramic @$$

roxy · Posted: Jul 01 2009 Post subject:

Looks like he has gone the way of the dodo..

Hope things are well.
_________________
Chargriller Akorn
WSM
LIAR #100
_________________
Do not rely on a rabbits foot for luck, it did not work out too well for the rabbit...

smalltruck · BBQ Fan Joined: 27 Jun 2007 Posts: 100

Phone works and so does the answering machine for Main street BBQ