Will there be fallout from screw machine’s shutdown?

Junior Pennington and his mother, Carolyn, have been operating Pennington’s Restaurant for the past 18 years. They say they don’t foresee any tough times ahead because of Tennessee Screw Machine’s announced shutdown at the end of the year.

Whenever there is a major development in the business world, I always think about the broader impact. You could call it the ripple effect.

That’s why when Carrier shut down, I figured many other local companies would also be hurt. It didn’t appear so initially, but we now know Tennessee Screw Machine was affected by Carrier’s departure.

For anyone who didn’t see the front-page story in Wednesday’s edition, Tennessee Screw Machine officials have announced the company will close its doors on Dec. 31, 2005, which will put 45 people out of work.

I couldn’t help but wonder how that shutdown will impact other businesses.

“It will hurt us, no doubt about it,” said Delores’ Market employee Gereta Davis. “They order from us every morning for breakfast, Monday through Friday. It’s usually $25 to $30 every day. They call it in and sometimes we even take it to them because they’ve been so good to us.”

Gereta said there’s not nearly as much Screw Machine business at lunch, although they do have several regular lunch customers. She said as a whole the Screw Machine business would be missed not only by Delores’ Market, but by most local restaurants.

“When people have jobs, they’re able to eat better than when they don’t have jobs,” said Gereta. “It’s that simple.”

Pennington’s Restaurant, opened by Carolyn Pennington 18 years ago, is located directly behind Screw Machine. Carolyn’s son, Junior, said he doesn’t anticipate a major dropoff in business.

“We’re going to miss them,” said Junior. “They’re the reason we opened in the first place and it’s going to be sad to see them leave. But so much of our business comes from town now I don’t think it’s going to hurt us much. People don’t mind driving a little bit for us.”

After chowing down on some of that delicious Pennington’s home-style cooking Friday afternoon, I can see why people don’t mind the drive. That’s some tasty food.