Today we’d like to introduce you to Chad Garrett.
Chad, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started working at a local restaurant when I was 15 and it wasn’t long before I realized that I had a genuine interest in the work and the abilities to back it up. The owners took me under their wing and taught me everything there was to know about the business, and when I finished college, I became the manager.
Unfortunately, the strain of owning and running a large business became too much on the owners and my mentors, and the restaurant was sold. I stayed as long as I could, but the environment that I had become accustomed to quickly changed, and in turn, I had to make a change as well.
Unfortunately, the economy had bottomed out and jobs weren’t easy to come by, but my wife supported my decision and we trusted that the Lord would provide for us. I wasn’t far into my job search when a former customer contacted me at home and asked if I could prepare Thanksgiving dinner for her family. Initially, I told her no, because I had left the restaurant business in search of something different, but with the bills piling up, I made the last minute decision to make this meal for them.
Word got around, and I found myself busy filling orders for other families, as well. The workload had gotten so large that I had to call in family and friends to help, and that is how Dinner’s Ready began.
We found a wonderful little place that had since been a pharmacy with an ideal drive-thru window. The building had recently been renovated for a fast food chicken joint that didn’t stay long, and when the building became available, I jumped at the opportunity and we have been here ever since.
What makes this place so special is that some of my best friends have joined me in this endeavor. Today I work right beside the same fine people that I have worked with since the beginning of my career.
Has it been a smooth road?
The road has not always been smooth. In 2012, I was diagnosed with cancer and unable to work. I began receiving treatments and my wife was helping to run the business while also taking care of me and our family. After 21 rounds of chemo, I am as good as new!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Dinner’s Ready by Chad story. Tell us more about the business.
We are a small business, open 6 days a week for lunch. We offer a dinner plate every day, featuring 3 meats and 3 vegetables, as well as regular menu items.
We are known for our homemade cakes and desserts, as well as our freezer full of take-home meals.
Everything you eat at Dinner’s Ready is homemade and made to order. We offer catering and we take holiday orders for meals that can be picked up and enjoyed with your family.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
We love our location and the size of our restaurant, but I am upgrading to more storage for take home meals and homemade cakes!
Contact Info:
- Address: 5928 Spring Street
Warm Springs, GA 31830 - Website: dinnersreadybychad.com
- Phone: 706-655-2066
- Email: dinnersreadybychad@gmail.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dinners-Ready-by-Chad-113226122120277/
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
Ellen
October 31, 2017 at 4:27 pm
We just love Chad and all the folks at Dinner’s Ready. All home-cooked food at its finest, readily available when I don’t want to cook. My very favorite is his home-made chicken salad – it rivals my own (sorry Chad – but mine is good too)! His cake are sold by the cake or by slice at lunchtime and you can taste the goodness of homemade! He is truly an asset to the resident, our Warm Springs community and our many visitors!
Charles lee
November 2, 2017 at 1:26 am
In the early 90’s I worked as a dispatcher at the state patrol post in Manchester. I worked part time at the original Bulloch House doing a little bit of everything. When you worked there you were always made to feel like you were one of the family. When I go to chads today I get that same old feeling. I was the Chief of Police in Warm Springs for 14 years. I was there the night the Bulloch House burned. I can’t tell you how that felt. You folks will always hold a special place in my heart. Chads has done a magnificent job and it’s always great to see those old familiar faces.
Dee
November 3, 2017 at 4:07 am
Chad (and friends) are such a joy to do business with, whether it’s a catering occasion or a quick lunch in downtown Warm Springs. The plates are plum full, the price is right, and the taste most pleasurable! Can’t remember when Dinner’s Ready wasn’t there as it is such an institution here now. Chad is just an all-round great person and deserves every success. Personal favorite dessert: German chocolate cake – well, don’t even start with the cakes, you will be so hooked❣️❣️❣️