Small Biz: New restaurant equipment business likes Chattanooga's vibe

photo Nick Adams , right, president of Restaurant and Kitchen Supply, a Direct South Company, and Steve Austin, project manager, talk about the new business from its storefront on Friday in Chattanooga.

Name: Restaurant and Kitchen Supply Co.

Where: 1271 Holtzclaw Ave., Suite 102

What: The company offers a retail store selling restaurant supplies and equipment to local restaurants and it's open to the public as well, said Nick Adams, president of parent Direct South of Macon, Ga. The store offers pots, pans, utensils, china, flatware, microwaves, cutlery, toasters, mixers, coffee brewers, baking supplies, plumbing and sinks, fryers, refrigerators and freezers in the showroom.

Manager: Steve Austin, with 33 years in the industry, also is on site to coordinate large projects such as new restaurant builds and updating. The company handles projects such as design and layout, with its largest job a $5 million kitchen in Virginia. It works with hotels, nursing homes, churches, schools and entities in the hospitality sector.

Why Chattanooga: "We're always looking for a good market," Adams said. "We see the potential. We felt like it would be a good fit." Austin said the company does a lot of business with Chattanooga-based hotel operator Vision Hospitality Group.

About the company: It has been in the restaurant equipment business for over 50 years and has grown into one of the largest in the Southeast. The showroom in Chattanooga is the company's fourth.

Investment: About $250,000

Sales: Third-year revenues in Chattanooga area are expected to range from $4 million to $6 million.

Employees: Two workers initially.

Hours: 8.a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Contact: Steve Austin at 605-9102, Chris Hildreth at 478-213-6663 or www.restaurantandkitchensupply.com.

-- Compiled by Mike Pare, who may be reached at 423-757-6318 or at mpare@timesfreepress.com

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