Who would’ve thought that we would spend so much time as an adult trying to figure out what’s for lunch or dinner? Whether we are going to cook or eat out? Did you know the average family spends 132 hours a year trying to answer that question? Kick in a few children to the equation and that may add to the time spent.
Perhaps we can shed some light from a breathtaking view on your dilemma. Sometimes when everything seems to come together you might hear a “ping” sound in your head or when your cell phone notifies you of a message a “ping” lets you know one has arrived.
Whatever your definition of ping, we’re ‘letting you know’ about a local restaurant at the Links in Toccoa, Ping’s Grill, where you can dine, enjoy the view, and maybe catch a glimpse of a Ping golf club in action. Sadly, mascot Ping, the inspiration for the restaurant logo passed away a few years ago.
From “Midtown” Clarkesville to Toccoa
With a background in helping family run a restaurant and learning to focus on quality customer service, Preston Bowen and Andrew Kelley opened their own place, Midtown Grill, in Clarkesville in 2013. Two years later, another location opened in Cornelia. In between that time, the guys received the “Entrepreneur of the Year Award” from the Habersham County Chamber.
While both still partner in operating Midtown Grill, Andrew also took on managing the city-owned location of Ping’s last year.
According to Andrew, ” I love Midtown but it’s just a little different here. The atmosphere and the view make every day a nice day to come to work. Even when the weather isn’t the greatest, the patio fills up with customers. It’s probably the amazing view.”
Guessing the food has something to do with customers checking out Ping’s Grill as well. The road to running a successful business venture is never easy, especially the restaurant business, and especially in the time of COVID.
Restaurant redux
For the last year, the U.S. restaurant industry has survived by any means possible, enduring against some of the most challenging market conditions in modern history. According to the National Restaurant Association, more than 110,000 U.S. restaurants closed temporarily or forever in 2020.
Local restaurants are growing in 2021 but most will not recover the losses experienced during the height of the pandemic.
Restauranteurs like Preston and Andrew are stressed by the challenges but they adapt and move on because they exist to serve you and your family with good food and a good experience.
“We enjoy it or we wouldn’t be in this business,” explains Andrew.
Some days are surely better than others for those running the culinary show. While Andrew gives a lot of credit to his dad, David, and his grandfather, Scott Reid, both integral parts of managing Ping’s, head chef, Andrew Gibson, for keeping the kitchen running smoothly, and Ashley Brock, who’s smiling face makes sure customers are happy, there are some challenges that are impossible to control.
Staffing has been one of the biggest issues for Ping’s or any other restaurant. Case in point, the Midtown Grill Clarkesville location has temporarily closed. The Cornelia site is up and running, as is Ping’s Grill.
“We’ve had prospective employees apply and schedule an interview, and then not show up.”
That story plays out time and time again for businesses looking to hire. The other difficulty in the restaurant business lies with supplies, or lack thereof. In recent months, they’ve been scarce at times and the cost for everything has increased.
“For example, five gallons of frying oil was $18. It now sells for $50. We try our best not to pass on those increases to our customers.”
Supporting local
When it comes time to choose where you are eating out, think local. Family run restaurants make up 99% of all dining establishments. For additional perspective, restaurant success also impacts food producers, trucking, and delivery services, farming, fishing, and beverages depend on the restaurant industry for their own financial health.
Supporting local businesses is investing in your community and creates a demand for local jobs. Think of them as “family.”
Andrew and Preston were best friends building their dream by opening Midtown Grill. Andrew’s family plays a big role in running Ping’s. When you join either of them for lunch or dinner, you are getting a good meal with a welcoming atmosphere and helping a family grow. They are your neighbors who may well be doing business with you.
And last, but certainly, not least…the food. While Angus beef burger reigns supreme on the menu with a huge array of toppings, there are also a variety of other sandwiches, wings, salads, appetizers, and chicken, shrimp, and BBQ plates.
“Chef Andrew Gibson also occasionally features some specials on our menu. Lately, the most popular are the Prime rib sandwich shaved in-house and the lobster roll, which has had rave reviews from customers who’ve sampled the same in New England.”
Hungry yet? So are we. Heading to Ping’s soon. The end.
For more information, visit their website or follow them on Facebook.
Editor’s note: We are continuing to highlight the stories of the people and businesses supporting our Community Member program with free stuff and discounts. Small businesses are the backbone of our country. We are grateful to Ping’s and to Midtown Grill for providing a discount to our members. For more information in supporting small business and local journalism, please visit our Membership Page.
