it looks like I have a qualified buyer.............

[Harry Nutczak]

so, what should I do for the next decade or so?

My 2017 summer plans will start with riding the "Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge" (look it up) Then there is the Sturgis Rally, the Maggie Valley FXR jam, FXR's of california round-up
Maybe Nashville Bike Week, Biketoberfest, Daytona bike week.

Maybe I'll even get to meet some of you guys at your places while I am tearing around the country.....
_________________
Just remember that the toes you may step on during your climb to the top will also be attached to the a$$es you'll be forced to kiss on your way back down!

[Mike Lawry]

Im no biker but Sturgis has to happen for you.

http://www.travelchannel.com/shows/hotel-impossible/episodes/full-throttle-in-sturgis

[Maniac]

congrats...and enjoy
_________________
RF Smoker
20" disc
uds

[Harry Nutczak]

[YardFullOfOak]

Congratulations!

Are you still planning on law school?

[Harry Nutczak]

[kurtsara]

[YardFullOfOak]

Did the buyer follow through?

Will you spend the next 4 years on your motorcycle or at law school?

[Harry Nutczak]

[Pork-O-Rican]

Harry

well first i want to say congrats and good luck on your new adventures. i have read the forms for a few years and have enjoyed your post every much. You and Tony have given great advice to many about the things that makes the business of BBQ all that it is. Yes i open my own place to the public this past year and I am living the dream ( or night mare ). I can say with out question you and tony have help me steer clear of some of the mistake that can happen. Good luck God bless and if you come to Jupiter Florida ever come get a sandwich on me Burnt Offering BBQ CO

[Camper Bob]

Congratulations. Great news in a year that so far, for me has been very disappointing. I also am selling my business, not food related, and am awaiting to finalize it at the end of this week. We purchased a new travel trailer in Sept. and plan a lot of trips in the coming years. Best of luck, I know you had a rough patch with keeping employees, but now that is someone else's concern. All the best.
_________________
Brinkman Cimarron Offset
Rocks Stoker Kit
LEM #5 Meat Grinder
LEM 5# Vertical Sausage Stuffer
Cookshack Model SM025 Electric Smoker

[Harry Nutczak]

its been 1 month since the sale,
people who know me say they've never seen me smile so much. So take that however you want, I'm just glad all my debt is zeroed, my private financier made a nice profit by taking a chance on me, and I was able to pocket a sizable chunk of coin for myself over the years, and from the sale.

I knew what I was getting into when I decided to open a restaurant, I was an industry professional while going through school in the 80's.
what I was not ready for was the level of incompetence of the local labor force. The rampant drug use and alcohol addiction, the entitlement mentality, the complete lack of even the most basic of life skills.

My dishwashers didn't make less than $14.50/hour, my lead cook was near $30/hour due to our profit-sharing program.

I do not care if the new owners run the business into the ground, or if they become wildly successful with a nationwide franchise network. I am just glad I am no longer forced to babysit these childish adults anymore. I left them a thriving business to work with, what they do with it is solely on them

what was my biggest mistake?
getting too big to be able to handle everything by myself,

The stresses of continually reminding employees of proper food handling and sanitation rules. Every person who handled food or stocked my shelves was enrolled in a food handling and sanitation course. It was a waste of money on my part because they did not retain the information, or they did not care.

I got sick of sending people home because they would show up drunk or high, then getting phone calls at 3:00 AM with them "Telling Me" that I need to bail them out of jail.

So, my goal is to have a very profitable towing business, I hope to have a rotator within 36 months for the real heavy work.

when it gets to the point of me hiring drivers, no driver will be under 45 years old, and they will have successfully completed a tow-truck training course before they get to run a truck solo.
I've given up on the millennials, they are beyond redemption.


Good luck peoples, I am still here to offer some help if asked. Tony & Buzz know how to contact me.


If you plan to ask my opinion on if you should open a restaurant, I think you already know my answer. It is hard work, it will break up your marriage, and test your sanity.
_________________
Just remember that the toes you may step on during your climb to the top will also be attached to the a$$es you'll be forced to kiss on your way back down!

[Camper Bob]

I'm delighted to hear that you are away from your restaurant. I have to agree with you that the so called "millennials" feel entitled to the highest wage for the area, regardless of their experience. I just threw in the towel on my business after trying to hire a driver for my van. At one time last year I hired and fired 6 drivers within a 3 week period. While consulting with other business owners, the consensus is all the same. They don't want to work, but insist on high wages. I am hoping that your new endeavor works well for you. Your thought of hiring no one under the age of 45 in this day and age seems to make a lot of sense. I was able to sell my non-food business and I am as happy as is said in certain parts of the country, "Happy as a pig in slop." Keep that smile on your face and keep your work ethic and find others who share your ethic. I believe I am a bit older than you but I worry for my son's who will have to live with what is occurring now. In any event, best of luck and don't be a stranger.
_________________
Brinkman Cimarron Offset
Rocks Stoker Kit
LEM #5 Meat Grinder
LEM 5# Vertical Sausage Stuffer
Cookshack Model SM025 Electric Smoker

[FreebirdTPark]

Good luck Harry. Have vociferously read your posts the last year and a half. You have definitely been a wealth of information. Thanks!
_________________
Montani Semper Liberi

[Mr Tony's BBQ]

Harry, I wanted to thank you publicly, here, for all the help you have been to me over the years!With out question - without meeting you here, I wold not be in the position I am today - and I thank you!
Congrats on selling!!
My trailer is ALWAYS open to you my friend!
Dont leave these guy's hangin'...I dont fit in your shoes Brother!
Tony
_________________
Money Maker
Scrapper
Mr Tony's Kitchen http://www.thesmokering.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=67601
Being Blessed with income from my passion!
WWW.MRTONYSBBQ.COM

[Harry Nutczak]