| Name | Gregory |
|---|---|
| Last Name | Martin |
| Home Address | 3823 Conahaney Trail Chattanooga, Tennessee 37406 United States |
| Organization Name | Sunset BBQ |
| Describe Your Role In The Organization | Property Owner |
| Organization Address | 964 Dodson Avenue Chattanooga, Tennessee 37406 United States |
| Website | https://www.welovesunsetbbq@gmail.com |
| Best Phone Number To Reach You | 423-903-4511 |
| Alternate Phone Number | 423-645-9208 |
| Email Address | Gregory.Martin53@yahoo.com |
| Alternate Email Address | Gregory.Martin53@yahoo.com |
| Please Describe Your Project In Detail | Sunset BBQ restaurant, established in 1946, has provided smoked pit BBQ (ribs, sandwiches and plates) at its current location, 964 Dodson Avenue, Chattanooga since 1958. The red painted cinder-blocked building is a very familiar landmark to the Avondale, Churchville and surrounding communities. The small business is a minority-owned, family-runned restaurant where locals say 'it has the best ribs and BBQ sauce' around. In the past five years, this establishment has undergone theft of its HVAC unit twice, internal fire and economic hardship due to the current COVID-19 pandemic (reduction in weekly business schedule due to inconsistency of stable staffing). Despite these unfortunate hardships, the small business has remained a pillar and landmark for surrounding neighborhoods and bordering states. Because of its connection to the community, the current owners continue to offer after-school and odd jobs to the local youth to earn a few dollars to purchase snacks, drinks and few school supplies. The owners say this helps deter theft, offers skills to improve self-respect, encourages youth to take pride in caring for their community and for other property owners. Part-time employment also provides lessons to instill customer service and self-respect and to plant seeds for future business ownership/entrepreneurship. |
| Please explain how your project meets the requirements of the American Rescue Plan | This plan would focus on time-limited investments that would activate lasting change in our city, focus on disproportionately affected communities, such as Avondale, would address the negative economic harms to workers caused by the public health emergency which includes this small business, help to address efforts to reduce crime and reduce economic harm to workers. And also, would address efforts to reduce and respond to violent crime. Since this restaurant is an established landmark in a disproportionately affected community, the property would be an excellent location to repurpose the business by improving the current infrastructure by building a plaza- to house the following: a convenience/grocery store, laundry-mat and a multipurpose space in addition to elevate the current restaurant space. This plaza would be providing economic improvement by serving the community’s youth, offer more secure employment to veterans and others interested in culinary arts and/or restaurant business. This plan would portray a model to teach youth how to work and become a part of a community and its social structure. |
| Where would your project take place? | Current location of Sunset BBQ, 964 Dodson Avenue, Chattanooga, TN. 37406 |
| How much will your project cost in total? | 1000000 |
| Do you have any matching funding sources from other local governments, private entities, non-profits, or philanthropic entities for your project? | No |
| Please describe the source and list amounts of any other funding. | |
| What portion of the project are you asking the city to fund? | |
| If funded, when would your project start? | May 1, 2022 |
| How long would your project take to complete? | Eight to ten months |
| What milestones would you use to measure your project’s progress? | completion of each stage would mark a milestone. Milestone 1) Demo of current bldg and land preparation; Milestone 2) Construction of Plaza Milestone 3) Opening Day with rental of each business |
| How would you ensure accountability and transparency throughout the project lifecycle? | All accountability and transparency would be done by business accountant |
| If successful, how would your project benefit the community? | Employment of Youth, veterans, families primarily residing in the community. Revitalization and continued support of community |
| How will you attract community buy-in for your project? | City Council member, marketing through local newspaper and social media and community leaders and current clientele. |
| Name | Gregory Martin |
| Contact Information | 423-903-4511 |
| Name | Javan Martin |
| Contact Information | 423-242-5556 |
| Name | Brenda R Martin |
| Contact Information | 423-645-9208 |
| Name | Andress Walker, PhD |
| Contact Information | 310-486-4686 |
| Is there anything else you would like us to know about your project? | In order to have a strong community, you first must have a strong foundation. This is but one block in that foundation. Help us to build and support our community. Thank you |