Dave's Sports Den 

Owners:  Dave and Mary Shepard                                                      Founded:  April 2008                                                                        Location:  701 N. Weinbach Avenue

The founders…

Mary and Dave Shepard have always dreamed of having their own restaurant.  Many dream of being their own boss and now that is a reality for these two.  As employees of the Hornville Tavern, they had plenty of restaurant experience to get them started and help them be a success.  David Shepard has been a cook, bookkeeper, bartender, waiter, and caterer during the past 14 years.  Mary Shepard’s background in retail helps her understand what good customer service is all about.  Put all of that together with Dave’s business major in college, and that spells success for Dave’s Sports Den on Weinbach Avenue!   They are not afraid of hard work and know that this has been the basis for their success throughout their lives. 

About…

On March 31, 2008, the seller opened the doors that day of the Sports Den transferring the reins to the Shepard’s before it closed that day.  The transition was seamless.  Much has changed since that day…painting, cleaning, lighting, making the Sports Den a great place to be.  The menu has not changed, but the quality has.  But what makes the Sports Den unique?  Both Mary and Dave pride themselves on listening to their customer and then providing what the customer wants.  They have added a healthier option of salads to the menu for this very reason.  Key staff have stayed on even after the transition because they really care.  Everyone, including the owners, cares about what they do and about each and every customer that walks through the door and it shows.

How did the SBDC help…

Referred by Dianne Bremer with Peoples Bank in Boonville, the Shepards’ came to the Southwestern IN Small Business Development Center as there is a lot to do when purchasing a business.  “The SBDC helped us put together a business plan as well as provided information on how the SBA provides a guarantee for small businesses with traditional bank financing.”  It had been a long time since Shepard had put together a business plan.  “The SBDC worked with us, getting that complete for the purchase.  They also provided information and guidance on getting an SBA (Small Business Administration) loan.  The advisors at the SBDC gave us the help and confidence so that we could do this because of our restuarant and business background.  They will continue to work with us to help us continue to be successful!”

Where will you be in 5 years…

“We’ll be right here providing quality food, drinks and services,” replies Mary.  “Outside catering, fund raisers and summer socials are all in our future.  We love what we do!”  Dave is a different man now.  He is happy talking to customers, working all the time as many small business owners do, and enjoys doing something not only for himself, but his family as well.  Here’s a success story that we will continue to watch as the years go by.