I was snubbed as a hometown hero
|
OK, so maybe it wasn’t a number of people who wrote. The exact number was probably closer to a couple. OK, so maybe my mom was the only one who wrote, but I don’t see why that matters.
My argument is I deserve to be a hometown hero because of all my tireless volunteer work. Never mind the fact my volunteer work only takes place when free food is involved because I don’t see how that makes a difference. And just because I’m reluctant to volunteer for anything that doesn’t involve a free T-shirt shouldn’t count against me either.
During my brief lifetime, I’ve done many things which qualify me as a hometown hero. I remember one incident several years back when I was in a restaurant where a man was choking. While I didn’t administer the Heimlich maneuver, I was the first one to stand up and shout, “Somebody do something!”
There was also the time I stood nearby while a paramedic administered CPR to save a woman’s life. I didn’t actually take part in the life-saving process, but I did have an awfully concerned look on my face.
These are just a few examples of why I should be a hometown hero. I’m sure most of you can probably think of a few more.
As for dwelling on this obvious snub, I’ve decided to move on. I’ve got too many things to do, including this week’s Business Pulse.
New restaurant is on its way
As it stands, my information is sketchy, but I can tell you a new restaurant called Daddio’s Place will be opening in the coming weeks on Sparta Street. It will be at the long-time location of Gillentine’s which was briefly turned into The Spinning Wheel.
It doesn’t seen very long ago I told you about The Spinning Wheel’s grand opening, and alas, now the restaurant is already closed. I’m hoping for better success for Daddio’s because I generally hope for things to succeed rather than fail.
Daddio’s is owned by Wayne King, who is also the owner of The Cookie Shop at Three Star Mall, among other stores. The restaurant will specialize in Cajun food such as shrimp, seafood, steaks, gumbo and blackened fish.
It’s something which will be all new for McMinnville and I’m looking forward to giving Daddio’s a try. The best I can tell you for a timetable is the restaurant will open in the next few weeks.
Garing Country Store meets New York City
The laid-back, country atmosphere at Garing Country Store is being introduced to some New York City culture. That’s because owner Scott Garing is putting new emphasis on a full-scale deli he has recently started.
I stopped by Garing Country Store to put Scott’s deli to the test and can report he’s got a Philly steak sub that will knock your socks off. Well, the sandwich didn’t taste so good it literally removed my socks, but you understand the expression.
Scott has all kinds of hot and cold subs including a grilled chicken sub, a chicken parmesan sub and a variety of appetizers like shrimp cocktail and steamed clams. He also sells his shrimp, clams, frog legs and all his meat by the pound.
“I call it a 10-minute ride for an excellent sandwich,” said Scott, whose store is located on Sparta Highway past Gribble’s Landing. “I’ve got the best meats and I make everything fresh. When you start using a warming bin for pre-made sandwiches, that’s when you start losing your quality.”
Scott and his family moved here from Long Island two years ago and have been operating the store since they arrived. Scott says he still sells feed, tools and hardware, and antiques, but he wants to get the word out about the deli.
“The more things you have, the more opportunity you have to bring people in,” said Scott. “I’ve still got the tanning bed, the antiques, and all the things that look nice but I think my food will really start bringing people in here. We’re just 11 miles from town and there’s no traffic lights.”
Scott also wanted to mention since he’s just outside Warren County, he can sell beer on Sunday.
Store hours are Wednesday thru Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. If you want to call in a sandwich order, or have any other questions, the phone number is 686-3535.
What’s happened to Kirby Realty?
If you’ve been looking for Kirby Realty at its former location on Court Square, you have been looking in the wrong place. Kirby Realty has now moved across from Wal-Mart on N. Chancery Street in the big, brick building which houses The Barn Loft upstairs.
Kirby Realty also has some new agents and now features a staff that includes Lynne Cole, Karen Jones, Linda Kouri and Derek Masters.
The new office was recently renovated by owner Bobby Kirby and there is addition space available right next to Kirby Realty. As for which Kirby Realty agent has the nicest office, I promised Lynne and Karen I wouldn’t comment on that. As for which one is the best real estate agent, well that topic is off limits too.
If you’re looking to buy a house or just want to spend a whole bunch of money on real estate, give Kirby Realty a call at 473-3181.
Jencolie Consulting starts up
I told you several weeks ago about the upcoming opening of Jencolie Consulting and now I can say the computer store is officially open for business. If you’ve got computer needs – from programming to networking to preventative maintenance – it might be worth your while to give owner Jennifer Smith a call at 474-7241.
Jennifer says she’s ready to provide business and computer solutions to commercial and residential clients. She can help with troubleshooting, repairs, upgrades, training and custom-built systems to name a few things.
She also wanted to get the word out that Jencolie is currently offering a free – yes free – system analysis and cleaning through Sept. 15.
If you want more information, give Jennifer a call or try the Website: www.jencolie.com. Jencolie is located in Plaza Shopping Center right next to Gondola, home of the all-you-can-eat $3.99 lunchtime pizza buffet.
Main Street now has one more business
Tennessee Art and Treasures made its grand opening on Main Street last week, continuing the trend of offering more shopping options downtown. Don Kriegel and his wife, Lynn, opened the business which is located next to The Black House and across the street from Security Federal.
“After folks get to know we’re here, we’ll start to get more traffic,” said Don. “You’ve got to have a lot of stuff to keep drawing customers back.”
Don has no shortage of stuff ranging from paintings to furniture to tables to the ever-popular Coca-Cola items. A number of the items he made himself, including an eye-catching eagle painting that’s one of the store’s centerpieces.
“I’m still in the process of learning,” Don said modestly when asked about his paintings.
It’s a charming shop and one that’s worth of few minutes to check out. Don also has some impressive decorative, hand-painted mailboxes if you’re looking to add a dash of flavor to the postal service items around your house. Store hours are Tuesday thru Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Smile! There’s a new dentist in town
If you’ve been meaning to schedule a dentist appointment but just can’t bring yourself to make the call, I know exactly the feeling. I too have been meaning to make a dentist appointment but it’s just one of those things I never seem to have time to do. At least that’s my convenient excuse.
Now there’s a new dentist in town available to examine your teeth. Dr. Michael Netherton has joined the Chancery Street practice of Dr. Michael Roberts and is currently accepting new patients. He can handle all the usual dentistry needs such as fillings, crowns and pulling wisdom teeth.
“I like the fact people usually leave here feeling better than when they came in,” said Dr. Netherton when asked about the best part of being a dentist. If you would like to make an appointment, the number is 473-6593.
That’s all folks
What an explosion of business news that was. It wouldn’t be a stretch to say reporting all that business news makes me a hometown hero. At least that’s my view.
If you’ve got business news to report for next week’s column, you can call the Standard at 473-2191 and ask for James “The Hero” Clark. Or you can e-mail me at my current address [email protected]. I am hoping to change that address to [email protected].