Meet Terry Richards of Sherry’s Bait & Barbecue in Gainesville

Today we’d like to introduce you to Terry Richards.

Terry, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
After 31 years in the “Corporate World”, I was ready for a change. I always wanted to run my own business, so after a great deal of consideration, I sat down and wrote a business plan that allowed me to run a business that focuses on three of my favorite hobbies: BBQ, Fishing and Lake Lanier. The risk was huge and the up-front investment was significant, but the business has been successful and is growing very well. The business will be four years old this month. I feel very fortunate to be “doing my own thing”, working side by side every day with my wife (Sherry) and being very much a part of the community that we live and work in. Can’t ask for much more than that!

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Things have been relatively smooth. Growing pains challenged us early on and continue to do so. We have made a few “mid-course corrections” to our original business plan that have resulted in higher profit margins and better use of our space.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Sherry’s Bait & Barbecue – what should we know?
Sherry’s Bait & Barbecue is known for its’ really good BBQ, great location, healthy / lively bait and friendly customer service. Our BBQ menu is extensive, offering a wide variety of smoked meats, sides and desserts. Everything is homemade and on site.

We are probably best known for our Pulled Pork, Brisket, Smoked Wings and Mac & Cheese. Our location is a big plus for both our BBQ and fishing customers. We are located “between the bridges” on Rt. 53 in Hall County where dining options are sparse. Our location is considered to be on the “North end of the lake” by our fishing customers, so when they want to fish the North side of the lake, we are more conveniently located.

Our three BBQ Sauces are now available in 12 oz. and 16 oz. bottles. Our goal is to get our sauces on the “buy local” shelves in the grocery and specialty retail stores in our region.

We are most proud of our reputation and quality. Most of our advertising is “word of mouth”; the best kind there is.

Humorously, our name does set us apart from others. Some customers are frightened by the idea of buying their BBQ from “a bait shop”, others are so intrigued that they can’t resist stopping in and checking us out.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Consistency is important. Our customers want their favorite dish to be the same every time they order it. They don’t want to wonder if it will be as good as it was the last time.

As a locally owned, “neighborhood” establishment; friendly and casual service is a must. Sherry and I have become a part of our community and our customers feel welcome when they enter our business. We are very proud to have been accepted into the local community.

Contact Info:

• Address: 2807 Dawsonville Highway
  Gainesville, GA 30506
• Website:http://www.sherrysbaitandbbq.com
• Phone:678-971-5607
• Email:www.sherrysbaitandbbq@gmail.com
• Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Sherrys-Bait-Barbecue-673188899372036
• Twitter:https://twitter.com/SherrysBaitBBQ
• Yelp:https://www.yelp.com/biz/sherrys-bait-and-barbecue-gainesville?osq=bbq
• Other:https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g34963-d7371150-Reviews-Sherry_s_Bait_and_Barbecue-Gainesville_Georgia.html

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.