 The dream of owning
his own business is new and so is Andy to serving food to waiting
customers. The eatery opened on Saturday, and Curry admits that he
and his staff still have some kinks to work out to become as
efficient as possible."None of us have any experience in the
restaurant business," he admitted.
But Andy and his staff have an engaging and enthusiastic manner
and that shows when a patron walks through the door. He is hoping
that this effort and willingness to please will help the business
grow and become a means of support for his family.
"I'm not trying to be a millionaire," he said. "Just make a
successful business is all."
At being successful, it couldn't have started out any better. On
the business's first day Andy said it was "off the wall" busy.
"We struggled a bit, but everyone was so patient and so
supportive," he remarked.
Andy said his three employees did an awesome job despite being
swamped with customers.
Born and raised in Lincoln, Andy is a son of Greg and Lisa Curry.
Andy's little brother, Kevin, who owns KC Ultra Graphics, has helped
with menus, business cards, graphics and interior display at the
former Chi-Town Dogs location.
"Kevin has been here as much as we have (getting the business
ready to open)," said Andy.
Like many entrepreneurships, the business happened almost by
accident.
Andy worked at Caterpillar in Decatur until last year, when his
entire office was let go. He is married to Jenny, who is a
beautician at Town House, and they have three children: Gage,
Kyleigh and Kole.
Andy worked wherever he could the past year to make ends meet and
really didn't plan on becoming a restaurateur. He recalled the day
that changed.
"I got a call that Kevin, my mom and Jenny were out at the
bowling alley having lunch. When I got there they were all grinning
and said, 'We are opening a restaurant.'
"I said, 'No we're not.'"
Jenny talked Andy into it, however, and the rest, as they say, is
the beginning of hot dog history.
The menu is definitely different. Besides a good old-fashioned
hot dog for $2, tax included, there are 20 different specialty dogs
for $3, tax paid.
Andy says that besides the staple chili dog or cheese dog that
are always favorites, the most popular so far are the Bacon
Cheeseburger Dog with bacon, cheddar cheese, tomato, onion and
lettuce; the Texan Dog with a deep-fried weiner, cheese, onion and
barbecue sauce; and the Mexican Dog, which includes salsa and sour
cream wrapped in a tortilla.
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Andy says the eatery will continue to evolve and try to fill the
requests of diners.
There will be a suggestion box where customers can make a
recommendation for a different type of hot dog.
"Every month I will choose one of the new hot dog ideas and add
it to the menu" said Andy. "The winner will get a Curry's Weiners
T-shirt for submitting their idea, besides seeing their creation on
the menu."
There are other unusual menu items that a hot dog lover won't
find anywhere else except at Curry's.
There are horseshoes and ponyshoes with weiners as the main
entrée. Deep-fried black olives and banana peppers can be ordered as
well.
Curry's also offers a Polish sausage and a pulled pork sandwich
for $3.50 and $4, respectively. They offer fries and their own fried
potato chips too.
Andy realizes first impressions go a long way in any new
business, and he says he intends to work hard to make sure
everyone's dining experience is a positive one.
He has used Facebook to get the word out on his new venture and
said the business has almost 700 friends so far, which he hopes will
keep people thinking of Curry's when they are hungry.
He was asked about the seemingly low prices.
"Maybe they are a little low. But the other day a family of four
was able to have a good meal for $18. I'm proud of that," he said.
Andy finished by saying, "I have been born and raised in Lincoln,
and I'm proud to own a business here."
The eatery is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The phone number is 217-735-2580.
[By
MIKE FAK]
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