…damn good business prospect.
The very first time I ever met anybody in the beloved NiT blogging community was at a little Bunco party that this guy, out of the goodness of his heart, allowed us to use his place for.
THE 2006 holiday party that I remember the fondest is the party for which he opened up his place and charged only a nominal donation for all the good ‘cue you could eat.
When we needed a place to throw one of our best-loved Moonbats a baby shower, it was this guy who, once again, gave of his space and after hours time so that we could get together and celebrate a blessed event for one of our own.
The guy’s got the best ‘cue in town.
Now the ship’s in some dire straits.
Straight from the souse source…
OK, look. Here’s the deal. The Cliff’s Notes version of the history of the Mothership. Great reviews in the Tennessean, the Nashville Scene, All the Rage. Stories on WKRN, in the Nashville City Paper and even a mention in the Washington Post. Just a couple of weeks ago a writer came in from Gourmet Magazine for an upcoming article on good Nashville BBQ. Over 50 online reviews, nearly all of them positive. Named “Best New Restaurant Concept: Shoestring Budget” in the “Best of Nashville – 2006″ issue of the Nashville Scene. Small Business Blog of the Day at Pajama Market. Best Restaurant and Cafe Blog at Profitible Hospitality. Over $100,000 worth of media impressions while spending less than $1,000 on advertising. Delicious food. Great atmosphere.
I am hamstrung by this awful location. I am on a little side street in Berry Hill. I get a decent crowd of regulars at lunch, but no dinner business. I can’t even sell beer because of the zoning. Imagine, trying to turn a profit with a BBQ place without selling beer.
I have found a killer location in SoBro that is coming available on the first. The space is more than double what I have now, and it has a patio. The rent is not much more that I pay here. It has not been claimed by anyone else yet, I talked to the landlord this morning. It has already been a bar and grill, so a lot of the plumbing and electrical is in the right place. There would need to be a fair amount of remodeling, nothing major, a bunch of cosmetic clean up, the purchase of a great big, tacky Mothership sign, and the new and improved Mothership would be ready to roll. Visibility would increase ten thousand percent. Literally. Restaurants in that area have folks lined up out the door at lunch. Lunch business would probably quadruple or more from day one. There would be a dinner crowd and there would be beer, which is pure profit. An expanded menu. TVs. Pool tables. Trivia. Real silverware and plates. A patio with a view of the skyline. And there is already a nice shelf in the ladies’ room for the cage full of naked Ken dolls.
I have busted my ass getting this prototype where it is today. I have worked 70 to 80 hours a week for nearly a year. I am really really tired, but I am dedicated to this project. However, I need $50,000 for the move. I am willing to sell more equity in the company than that amount of investment would usually get. I have a business plan. I’ll show you the numbers. If you have a dottering old rich uncle who is loose with his checkbook, let me know.
Otherwise, I’ve got to pack it in.
If I could, I’d write a check today. I can’t. That sucks. But what I can do is get the word out here, and if you know of any business folks who would take a look, get in touch!
Update: Here is a status update to append to the above, which may answer some questions.
Filed under: Blogger Buddies
I don’t get why it will cost that much. I have to wonder why there is no ability to raise 50k on existing credit lines. I remodeled a 5000 sq ft place for much less, and had money left over for operating expenses. I hate to see an independent business go down, i really do. The chains always win, it seems.
Sorry, I’m skint.
Off topic, I know, I’m sorry. But are there any American’s out there with any brains who fancy a go at this brain teaser?
http://prisonersvoice.blogspot.com/2007/04/how-was-i-able-to-get-out-of-locked.html
Donated labor by a community with diverse skills would probably help somewhat. Work parties and such. Just saying.
Mack & bridgett: I hear ya, but go to his site to give your input, cool?
Written and linked by me as well.
I really hate to see this happen. I know he must be biting his nails.
I really, really wish I had the money.
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