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Demo's BBQ & Smokehouse
Channon and Spencer Moore, Owners
1861 South Church Street
Jonesboro, Arkansas
(870) 935-6633

"Over five years ago we introduced Jonesboro to toasted subs by opening a Quizno's Subs franchise. This was a total career change for my husband and me and without the ASU Small Business Development Center this would not have been possible. Most recently we purchased Demo's Barbeque and Smokehouse, a successful restaurant in town. Once again - we turned to Herb Lawrence and his staff at the SBDC for assistance in this venture. On several occasions we have encouraged people who are "just dreaming" about their future to check into the ASU SBDC assistance. They are a great resource for any business endeavor and the staff is wonderful! The knowledge and guidance the SBDC provides has allowed dreams to become reality for us".

In 2001 the ASU SBDC first met Channon Moore as she was investigating the possibility of starting a Quizno's Subs franchise in Jonesboro. The ASU SBDC staff worked closely with Ms. Moore in analyzing the feasibility of the franchise, developing a business plan, locating an interested lender and in preparing a loan request with a U.S. Small Business Administration 7(a) Guaranty. Ms. Moore has successfully operated this franchise for over 5 years.

In 2006 Ms. Moore was provided with an opportunity to purchase a well established existing non-franchise restaurant in Jonesboro - Demo's BBQ and Smokehouse located on the busy intersection of Highland and Southwest Drive. The owner had operated the business for over 10 years and was ready to try a new venture. Ms. Laura Miller, ASU SBDC business consultant worked closely with Ms. Moore and the seller obtaining financials, conducting feasibility reviews, analyzing cash flow and providing assistance with basic issues of purchasing an existing business. The established BBQ restaurant had an extremely loyal clientele, was strategically located in town, and boasted an extremely strong cash flow. Ms. Miller guided Ms. Moore through the complex issues of acquisition and loan package development, as well as providing analysis tools using ProfitCents financial analysis software. Ultimately Ms Moore was able to secure funding from Liberty Bank, loan officer Mr. Shane Davis using the Small Business Administration's 7(a) Guaranty loan program. The loan closed in early October 2006 and began operating under the new ownership that same month.

The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration through a partnership with the University of Arkansas at Little Rock College of Business and other institutions of higher education. All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA. It is the goal of UALR to eliminate discriminatory harassment and to promote equal opportunity regardless of race, gender, color, national origin, sexual orientation, age, religion, veteran's status, or disability.