New Joint

Blue Line Barbecue · Newbie Joined: 09 Feb 2007 Posts: 85 Location: Purcell,Ok

Here is a look at the place we are looking at. Lease is $1000.00 a month and seats 50.The place was a bbq joint in it;s past life twice.Don't know why it did not make it but I think it might be that the elec/water runs $600.00 a month.

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Pit Boss · Posted: Feb 22 2009 Post subject:

Amazing how different areas of the country are. I've looked at places that are literally the size of your first picture and CAN'T find ANYTHING under $2,500 a month. Most are $3,000+.

For $1,000 I'd jump on it faster than Michael Phelps can smoke a doobie. That is if I could find something like that in my area for $1,000.
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Pit Boss · Posted: Feb 22 2009 Post subject:

I have to ask...for $1,000 a month do they expect you to pay for getting the place in working order. The reason I ask is because it looks a little "rough". Will the owner get it in shape for you or is it your baby. Obviously, I know the owner isn't going to buy your equipment and probably not knock out any walls for you, but what about the general condition of the building?

What will you get for your $1,000?
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Harry Nutczak · Posted: Feb 22 2009 Post subject:

Who will be responsible for upkeep and repairs? (like fixing the leaky plumbing at the handwash sink)

From the discoloration on the cieling, I would be concerned about the exhaust hoods efficiency also.

My biggest concern??
why did the past 2 BBQ places fail at that location?

Besides the "BIB" pepsi dispensing tower and the syrup rack and walk-in cooler, is there any other equipment there? freezers? prep coolers? Who owns the soft-drink dispenser, is it a lease?

before making any money transactions or signing any paperwork, I would have the current owner pay for the health departments initial inspection and have the owner reapir any and all violations that are noted. Also have the water tested for purity and the sewer/septic inspected to make sure it is up to code for foodservice

Simple stuff like leaky plumbing can turn into huge cost's to repair and fines too.

I did not see a fire supression system either? They are not cheap by any means. And if there is one, is it up to code? (many regs are forcing liquid systems now instead of dry chemical) Restrooms handicapped accessible?

I am in no way tryng to pee in your wheaties, just stuff I saw in your photo's.
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JimmieOhio · Posted: Feb 22 2009 Post subject:

In addition to all the great advice you got so far, my only comment is about the exterior needing a coat of paint. Maybe you could get the owner to do that as a condition of leasing it.

You may get some customers from the next-door courthouse, but the with the jail, you are dealing with a captive audience... Laughing

(Unless your Q is worth organizing a jailbreak - hopefully it is.)
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Pit Boss · Posted: Feb 22 2009 Post subject:

Harry, it looks like the ANSUL is mounted on the wall next to the hood.

NEVER buy or lease a drink fountain (or tea brewers, or coffee machine). The companies you deal with that sell those products will GIVE them to you free of charge and will have them serviced for free. Let them.
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Basset Hound · BBQ Fan Joined: 13 Feb 2009 Posts: 222 Location: D/FW

The good news is Purcell is right on I-35 so your potential market is huge. You just have to get the people from the exit to your place. When I lived in Memphis I often ate at Nick's BBQ in Carlisle, AR because they had billboards on I-40 for miles with pictures of their food. The food was average, but the food on the billboards looked awesome and it always would make hungry for ribs. I guess it's would be very similar to Roberston's meats signs up and down I-35.

B.H.

Blue Line Barbecue · Newbie Joined: 09 Feb 2007 Posts: 85 Location: Purcell,Ok

Thanks for the reply Harry and you did not pee in the wheaties, I could use all the info and advise that is given here. As for the repairs what is standard for the industry? I will be looking at the contract Monday so we will see. The other two businesses went out from what I was told was high labor cost, employee theft and gambling. The last owner did tell me while he was in business that he did not like the people in the community and he opened when and if he wanted to. The community also said that the owner and staff were hateful to the customers. I will be calling HD Monday and have an inspection done.

Blue Line Barbecue · Newbie Joined: 09 Feb 2007 Posts: 85 Location: Purcell,Ok

Thanks everyone for all the replies this is a new venture for my wife and I. We know that
we are in for a long road but we feel it will be worth it in the long run. We want this to work and will take all advise and suggestions given here. Should we hire a restaurant consultant to help set up the kitchen area and give us suggestions on equipment needed?
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JimmieOhio · Posted: Feb 23 2009 Post subject:

OKBBQEA · Posted: Feb 23 2009 Post subject:

I recognize that building.... Wasn't there a BBQ place in there previously?

Only competition you really have in that area is Val's Smokehouse... never eaten there so I don't know how good it is.

There's also Big Daddy's, I think is what it is called, in Noble. They aren't too bad for raunt Q and probably still far enough away to not be competition.

Purcell could really use a good restaurant... Jo's and I guess now Rodney's (Where the Firelake Grill or whatever it was called was), since Jo's sisters pretty much kicked him out of their business, are about it.... And the little Mexican place isn't too bad.

I go through Purcell quite a but on my way to Ardmore... I'll swing by sometime when you get the place open.
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Herman · Posted: Feb 23 2009 Post subject:

while in the planning stages give some thought to adding a few stapel menu items to your fare rather than trying to go all bbq-will draw more customers to your restaurant-items such as fried chicken, hamburger steaks, home made vegetable soup etc

btw the place has got that home cooked meals look

Herman

Blue Line Barbecue · Newbie Joined: 09 Feb 2007 Posts: 85 Location: Purcell,Ok

I think your right Jimmie he was a people person. We are planning being
open from 10:30 am to 9:00 to 9:30 or when everyone leaves. Thanks for the
reply it helps.

Blue Line Barbecue · Newbie Joined: 09 Feb 2007 Posts: 85 Location: Purcell,Ok

Your right Cult it was a bbq place twice, the first guy had good food good service and it
was a nice place to eat. He had family and overhead problems as well as having
employees steal from him. We have eaten at Val�s some but we think our barbecue
is better, but that�s our opinion. We do smoke for a few people and they like it
also and have said we should open a place, but well see how it goes. I think Big Daddy�s
is closed now. Purcell could use not only a good restaurant but also a good bbq place; I just hope it will be ours. You sound like you know Purcell and the area pretty well.
When and if we get open you are more then welcome to come by and teach me a little
about smoking, never to good to learn more.

Blue Line Barbecue · Newbie Joined: 09 Feb 2007 Posts: 85 Location: Purcell,Ok

Your right Herman, I think we were planning on hamburger, hotdogs or chicken strips for the kids, talked about chicken noodle soup, smoked chicken salad. And I think
this place has a lot potential, if run right, I just hope we can.

Blue Line Barbecue · Newbie Joined: 09 Feb 2007 Posts: 85 Location: Purcell,Ok

Cult, are you in the restaurant business? If you get this way let me know
and maybe I can get you drop by and I will show you the place and
pick your brain. Page me at 405-530-1414. I work day shift.

OKBBQEA · Posted: Feb 23 2009 Post subject:

I wish I had gone the restaurant route.... Civil Engineering is sucking the life out of me. Sad

I did look at opening a place when Coot's was up for sale but I couldn't raise the cash to get it done. Someone else has since opened up another BBQ place there.

There is also a fairly new place in Paul's Valley called Stevenson's... I liked it. The wife didn't.... Once again they are far enough away they won't be any competition.

I know the area pretty well from years of fishing the area.... I think I know just about every BBQ place there is along the I-35 corridor.
_________________
I only believe in two basic food groups... Chili & BBQ
- - - - - - - - -
Brinkmann Duel Zone Pro Charcoal Grill
14.5" Weber Smokey Mountain
18.5" Weber Smokey Mountain x2
22.5" Weber Smokey Mountain
R&O Smokers Fat Girl
Ludicrous Speed Red Thermapen

Blue Line Barbecue · Newbie Joined: 09 Feb 2007 Posts: 85 Location: Purcell,Ok

I have been to Stevenson's did not like it much but it was at the end evening so that could have been the problem. When you get through here let me know we will go to Val's. I go even if it is not the best, I just like bbq. I work dayshift at the police dept so a am here all the time.

SugarMedia · Posted: Feb 24 2009 Post subject:

I'd paint it red, drop the name and call it "Red Barn BBQ."

The inside is an easy fix and can look quite good with minimal cost.

Good luck.

Blue Line Barbecue · Newbie Joined: 09 Feb 2007 Posts: 85 Location: Purcell,Ok

Red sounds good SugarMedia, but I can�t drop the name, I was thinking corrugated tin
From the floor up to the windows. New paint in the kitchen.
I had HD in today and there only a few things that needs to be changed.
Like cleaning, crack under the back door, mop sink and shatter proof lights.
HD said we have to submit a drawing to scale of where the equipment in the kitchen is going to be. That will be the hardest part, well and the funds. But we are
Just getting started.