Foster’s Grill of Reidsville has been serving the community of Reidsville, NC since 1963. It is known for hotdogs and hamburgers — small-town American grill staples. In 2018, Robert Stanley purchased this well-established business, knowing that he had the support of the community and that people love Foster’s so much they travel to eat there. But challenges were ahead.
In 2020 COVID-19 rocked small businesses like Foster’s Grill. The restaurant had to close its doors to dine-in customers — this is what business restaurants rely on. Luckily, Robert stayed agile and was able to bring his business online with the help of the Rockingham Community College (RCC) Small Business Center and Zibster. He created alternative ways for the restaurant to remain open with new pick-up options and delivery through DoorDash.
We recently spoke with Robert to see how he and his business are doing.
Thank you Robert for speaking with us. Please tell us about your business.
My business is Foster’s Grill, a small local grill that’s been in business since 1963. It was family-owned and has changed ownership a few times — but the name remains. As it says on the website, it was originally a grocery store that changed hands several times until the late 1960’s when Ed and Peggy Foster took over.
Ed began selling his famous hot dogs from a small room in the back of the grocery store. He cut a back door in half to make a window for serving. The hot dogs sold very well and Ed decided to lease the other side of the building and call his business Foster’s Grill.
You used online marketing to grow your business in the last year, did COVID-19 force you to make changes quickly?
Honestly, my business increased because of takeout. We do a lot of takeout on a regular basis, but many other local businesses closed around us (while we remained open).
However, the hotdog cart that I use for local events and ballparks was affected. All of that business was eliminated last year.
Once we had our new site online, I was able to do a Facebook campaign to let people know about our takeout and delivery options, and had several people sign up for our newsletter and contact us.
How did COVID-19 affect you and your business?
Personally, I was very concerned, I’m a diabetic and over 50. So, we tried to take as many precautions as possible.
For the most part, people wore masks and kept their distance. However we still had some customers refuse to wear a mask, and that created difficult situations.
Because on one hand you want them to wear a mask but at the same time you don’t want a customer to get mad. It’s a fine line and each situation is different. It’s been challenging.
You reached out to the RCC Small Business Center, how did they help?
I applied for a grant and they put me in contact with Zibster, and I took some classes that they offered to help small businesses.
What was it like working with Zibster and their Pro Services team?
It couldn’t have been easier. Your team handled everything and answered all my questions. They were very patient and explained everything along the way. I haven’t (explored) all the functions of the website yet, but I hope to in the future. But Zibster made it very easy.
Hopefully, I’ll be able to refer businesses as they reopen in my community to Zibster. I believe they could all be helped.
How has 2021 fared so far for your business?
2021 has been about the same as 2020, which is a good thing. My business improved in 2020 over 2019. I’m hopeful that things will continue to pick up and we get back to some normal as businesses reopen.
I hope the grill continues to grow and this year I’ll be able to do events and ball games. We will always adapt to meet people’s ever-changing tastes and needs.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
I’m very thankful that I received this grant and was able to take advantage of it. I wanted a website but couldn’t afford it, nor the time. Without the grant, the website wouldn’t have been as professional as this one either.
Thank you, Robert!
If you ever are in the Reidsville, NC area, check out Foster’s Grill. Their business may have changed ownership over time, but it’s still community-focused and family-friendly. 2021 is about restarting and facing challenges head-on. Foster’s Grill is doing this by utilizing its online presence to promote takeout and delivery orders, as well as letting people know about catering.
RCC Small Business Center and Zibster were there to help Robert when he needed it. As more doors start to reopen, appetites will also be there to greet them. We wish them the best of luck and hope they grow even more.
If you’re a Rockingham County business and are seeking support, reach out to the RCC Small Business Center team to see what resources are available.
If you are looking for an online presence for your new or established business, Zibster’s platform and team are here to make it easy to get online. Give us a call at 844.353.3412 or sign up to get started right away. Choose the plan that is best for you and your business.
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