Trying to live the dream......

phatkid · Joined: 26 Mar 2008 Posts: 18

My folks just took my grandmother up there a few weeks ago. Sounds like he is still doin well.

J-Man · Posted: Jul 03 2009 Post subject:

man, im new here -- i just read this whole thread ... fantastic! thanks for all the updates and making it a good read.

secondly -- i love the positive energy in this forum. the only other forum ive ever frequented is pretty much filled with a-holes. very refreshing.

hope everything is still going well, looking forward to more updates.

Vaughn · Newbie Joined: 28 May 2009 Posts: 90 Location: SoCal

Another "all the way through the thread" first-time reader here. Man, what a great story. Very Happy

Looking forward to seeing an update.

AUTiger_1 · Newbie Joined: 26 Jan 2009 Posts: 54 Location: Alabama

BBQnIL/Todd,

Congrats and well done. You are doing something that myself along with many others on this board ream of doing. I hope that your business is a "booming success". Great story and read. I actually have swelled up with pride for you reading this thread and as Windknot, I too got a "little water" in my eyes reading this thread. Please keep us update and let us know how you are doing. Hopefully all is well. Good luck!!!!

ramtuf6 · Posted: Jul 20 2009 Post subject:

Thats the way to live. No regrets. No I shouldas or couldas. It's about giving it your best shot. Good luck.
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BBQnIL · Posted: Jul 21 2009 Post subject:

Hello everyone!!

God I have been away from here forever. Life is good. The restaurant is doing super! Almost 2 years in business and we are still growing. The last month we have seen alot of new faces come in the door who have never been in before. Most saying they had just heard about it. I do advertise. But man it must not be hitting my target audience. Tons of repeat traffic and a whole bunch of really loyal fans.

I must be doing something right. I still have all the same staff with the exception of one dishwasher that I had to lay off. No one has any desire to leave. They all still smile when they come to work and do the very best they can daily.

I have a wicker basket that all the guest checks get placed into when the customer pays. I use this really uber system to see how the month is going. If at the end of the month the tickets are to the top of the basket then we have done well. This month the tickets are at the top and it is only the 20th so we are doing above average!! LOL

I still have no regrets. I am thrilled to go to work every day and I live to see the smiles on folks faces when they eat. We have been truly blessed. We have made money every month since opening. Albeit not alot. But enough to keep the doors open, pay the help, and the bills and keep the smoke rolling.

If you treat your customers as friends, go that extra step and surprise them now and again they will be loyal and think of you first when they want to eat out. I truly believe that and live that every single day!!

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

reptileink · Posted: Jul 21 2009 Post subject:

it has been said over and over, but you truly are a testament to hard work, and an inspiration to anyone who takes that giant leap.

Great story and I wish many more good things come your way.
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NCBBQFAN · Posted: Jul 21 2009 Post subject:

Great Story, Good Luck in the Future.

samson · BBQ Pro Joined: 30 Mar 2007 Posts: 869 Location: illinois

stringbender128 · Posted: Jul 24 2009 Post subject:

Great story! Glad to hear your doing well! Very Happy

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daddywoofdawg · Posted: Jul 24 2009 Post subject:

I do advertise. But man it must not be hitting my target audience.
One thing you might try is make a short simple survey card maybe give a free drink or something for filling it out and ask questions like what radio station you listen to and newspaper tv station or whatever media you use you may see most of your customers listen to this station and read the paper etc.then you can spend your Ad dollars there.I tried that with my computer store and learned my customers listened to a diffrent station than where I was advertising.WOW! months of wasted dollars.
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bbqstudent · Joined: 13 Apr 2009 Posts: 7 Location: Fox Valley, WI

Really encouraging story, thanks for sharing it with us!
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BBQnIL · Posted: Jul 26 2009 Post subject:

Samson thanks a ton for the great comments! I think I do remember when ya came in. I wish you had said something! And trust me... My wife will never complain about a kids mess. We have 5 kids and 5 grand children! Have to go cook and I will write more later.

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!

Texman · Posted: Jul 28 2009 Post subject:

Acki · Posted: Jul 29 2009 Post subject:

Nice to read ya story. I think there are a lot of bbq-fans wish to live ya dream like you did/do it! Wink

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,...just delicious!
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solanabeacher · BBQ Super Fan Joined: 28 May 2009 Posts: 429

WOW, that was very inspiring. Congrats Todd, I wish you and your family all the best. Your really doing it.

Way to go!

BBQnIL · Posted: Jul 31 2009 Post subject:

Hey Texman!!

I am very much looking forward to your visit.
_________________
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!

BBQnIL · Posted: Jul 31 2009 Post subject:

Samson,

I talked to my wife today about you and she remembers yall for sure... She said you asked for a broom and she told ya not to worry about it. Like I said before we have kids and grandkids and that is just part of the restaurant business. We want your visit to be enjoyable and not have to worry. So don't!!! Smile

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!

BBQnIL · Posted: Jul 31 2009 Post subject:

Lets add some news....

Sunday, September 6, 2009 I will be in the Kewanee, IL Hog Days Show Down. I have entered the Roast, Ribs and Misc categories. I have a feeling that is going to be a one too many beers good time! Smile

If your in the area please stop by and say HEY!

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!

crashpilot · Posted: Aug 04 2009 Post subject:

Only one too many?? lol
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