Moonie's Texas Barbecue.. here we go!

Texman · Posted: Jun 08 2011 Post subject:

Found the Texas company that mfg those coolers:
http://tsocowboycountrycoolers.com/index.htm

MooniesBBQ · Posted: Jun 09 2011 Post subject:

MooniesBBQ · Posted: Jun 09 2011 Post subject:

Here's what the final sign looks like. This will be a lit sign, 77.5"x37.75" out in front of the building. We were out there the other day for 5 minutes, and I'd say atleast 60-80 cars passed the building in that span. I think it should really pop and be noticed.

Moonie
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Texman · Posted: Jun 09 2011 Post subject:

Geronimo · Posted: Jun 09 2011 Post subject:

I really like the sign and the colors but what I don't like (or I wouldn't of done) is listed the hrs, days open or menu on a sign that costs this much.

It will be costly to change when that time comes....and it will.
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Where rumors end and legend lives forever...

MooniesBBQ · Posted: Jun 09 2011 Post subject:

pitmaster t · Posted: Jun 09 2011 Post subject:

A few weeks back they had a "crap load" of those coolers at Garden Ridge Supply. I looked at them but right now I like my stainles steel, wipe down with a rag, one.

OK, time to do the old glass half full, glass half empty deal. I get carrying the odd sodas. Even looked into myself and who knows I may even screw up the courage to do it. I also understand the statement that "if they want Coke they can go to MickyD's and get one." BUT don't forget these old redneck southern boys (myself included) are just as loyal to their ways as you are to the ways of Texas. This is metro ATLANTA. The birthplace of Coke. Somewhere right now there's some half drunk, good old boy yelling at the top of his lungs "you can take my land, my money and my women but you can't have my COKE!!!" Shocked

And while I'm on a roll I do and don't get the "till we run out" concept. I tried to look at this from every direction before opening and I could never find the "payoff". Please don't get me wrong we have sold out of things from time to time but I do my best to make it far and few apart. I even go so far as to put a sign on the door when we run out of something. If you want to see a table full of disappointed customers just tell them you're out of the best brisket in North Georgia after they just drove 50 miles to get it. In all likelyhood they won't be back or at least it will be a long time. Sad

In my opinion it's to easy to carry a couple of butts and briskets over to the next week for all that.

I beleive in this metro area (probably all metro areas) it's go go go. And if people don't get get get what they want want want, they will not not not be back. It's fun to put up that sign that says "this ain't Buger King" but beleive me if they don't get it their way they may look somewhere else. I operate 3 days a week and it didn't take long to learn every dollar counts. While opening 3 days looks easy to the consumer I found out real quick that the bills go on 7 days a week.

I'm not trying to be a "butt" here. As a matter of fact just the opposite. I would have gave $100 if someone had told me this stuff to begin with. I would have gave $1 million but at the time $1 hundred was about all I had. Laughing

I look forward to hearing how it goes and I look forward to learning a thing or two.

As you go forward good luck and God speed my friend. Wink

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Due to recent cutbacks the light at the end of the tunnel has been turned off!!!

Geronimo · Posted: Jun 09 2011 Post subject:

MooniesBBQ · Posted: Jun 10 2011 Post subject:

MooniesBBQ · Posted: Jun 10 2011 Post subject:

pitmaster t I'll be carrying the mexican coke, same stuff but made with real cane sugar instead of corn syrup.

Moonie
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http://www.mooniestexasbarbecue.com

pitmaster t · Posted: Jun 10 2011 Post subject:

Hey, the Coke things cool. I was just pointing out there is a lot of pride in this area for that drink.

As far as the hours go, just sharing thoughts and research I done 2 years ago. I will point out that those places you named off have a heck of a reputation, Even a good old Georgia boy who has never stepped foot in Texas has heard of them. Just make sure your numbers work. Why do I say that? 60-70% of my buisness on weekends is done after 4pm. I tend to find that on weekends the breakfast buisness is huge in my area. Late breakfast on the weekend means eating later in the afternoon.

One more thing and I'll hush. Seems to me you are eliminating one of the biggest draws to that area. Lake traffic. They'll already be there when you open and you'll be closed when they leave.

Looking at it from the other side of the street. If you still have food at 11pm is the "open" sign still gonna be on. Wink

Keep digging and good luck.
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Due to recent cutbacks the light at the end of the tunnel has been turned off!!!

YardFullOfOak · Posted: Jun 11 2011 Post subject:

BBQMAN · Posted: Jun 11 2011 Post subject:

A few comments since I've needed to get caught up myself here:

You will find that Coke products sell really well ANYWHERE. Coke is the #1 most recognizable brand in the world, not just Georgia! Smile

Obscure sodas and the like may do well, but I'm gonna guess you might be surprised in comparison to coke.

Sweet tea is a must have IMHO in the south, and compliments BBQ in a big way.

I'm ok with the idea of serving certain items until they run out. But I'm also a huge proponent of set hours.

If I ever get a joint of my own there will be a large sign stating that our meats are slow cooked, and when we run out of a certain item please understand and pick another great selection.

That way you are still open for folks that make that long drive.

BTW, I'd be one of them. I routinely drive through Atlanta on way to Blue Ridge. If I made the side trip to visit your place, to find out you had closed up shop and gone home for the day because brisket ran out quite frankly I'd be pi$$ed.

Just sayin'.

On the menu and sign- I like it (for the most part) and I clearly understand the Texas theme. But even joints in Texas are now getting pulled pork to sell well.

As with the Coke, you are NOT in Texas anymore.

Pork is King in the south, and I'd hazard a guess that it always will be.

That's not to say your traditional Texas eats won't do well.

My other menu suggestion would be chicken, and/or lack of it on your menu.

I know Harry doesn't offer it either.

But chicken is what I like, and chicken is what I usually order when I go out to eat (or at least I'd want it on a combo plate).

Good luck with getting the doors open soon.

Looks like I may have to call ahead and make sure they are actually open before making the drive! Wink

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BBQMAN
"I Turned A Hobby Into A Business".
Providing "IMHO" Since 2005.

Texman · Posted: Jun 11 2011 Post subject:

When we purchased a Texas BBQ joint in the early 70�s the sign stated on one side �Open at 11:00 am Until sold out�, on the flip side it only stated �Sold Out�. This 'sold out' system created a sense of ugency, even to the point of customers calling in and saying "We'll be there at 12:30, please save us XXX"

As business gradually increased � so did our hours, selectively, first on the weekends, then weekdays were added. When we sold it in the late 90�s it was 11am to around 10pm a high percentage of the time seven days a week.

As to chicken � our motto is: We don�t cook or eat anything that gains its nutrition through its pecker! (That�s just a joke)

MooniesBBQ · Posted: Jun 14 2011 Post subject:

MooniesBBQ · Posted: Jun 14 2011 Post subject:

MooniesBBQ · Posted: Jun 14 2011 Post subject:

BBQMAN · Posted: Jun 14 2011 Post subject:

Kreuz, Lockhart et al have a very solid reputation built on Texas style BBQ.

In Texas! Razz

And while I think "sausage and brisket" when I think "Texas BBQ", regional differences are hard to ignore.

Wishing you all the best at being as successful as your examples! Cool

MooniesBBQ · Posted: Jun 14 2011 Post subject:

Ok, now that I've responded I wanted to give an update. Today we got our building permit approved for knocking out that wall. Instead of knocking out half the wall and adding a counter we decided to knock out the entire wall, and add an "L" shape counter to give us a little more room to cut meat and serve sides. I did a terrible mockup of what we are doing in photoshop, don't laugh Smile

I've got a guy coming by tonight to give me a quote.

Moonie
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MooniesBBQ · Posted: Jun 14 2011 Post subject: