KOSBE Award Winner Phil’s Dream Pit Recognized by State of Tennessee in "What Makes You an Entrepreneur?" Video Contest
July 07, 2011
KINGSPORT, Tenn. – KOSBE Award winner Phil’s Dream Pit was recognized by the state of Tennessee for the winning video submission in the states’, “What Makes You an Entrepreneur?” contest.
Wisty Pender, director of the Business Enterprise Resource Office (BERO) within the Department of Economic and Community Development for the State of Tennessee, presented owners Phil and Dianna Pipkin with the award at your Kingsport Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Director’s meeting Monday, June 27.
Photo attached: From left to right. Aundrea Wilcox, executive director of KOSBE and senior business counselor for TSBDC at ETSU Kingsport Affiliate Office, Wisty Pender director of the Business Enterprise Resource Office (BERO) within the Department of Economic and Community Development for the State of Tennessee, Dianna and Phil Pipkin, owners of Phil’s Dream Pit.
“Small businesses are your community’s life blood. It’s very important to recognize those who do well. It’s my honor to recognize the Pipkins with the “What Makes You an Entrepreneur” Arts and Entertainment category Award,” said Pender.
“Dianna and I want to thank the Kingsport Chamber and KOSBE for the activities and all the things they do, which far exceeds anything I’ve seen before — it’s wonderful. It makes us proud to be a member,” said Phil Pipkin.
Phil’s Dream Pit is a 2009 KOSBE Award Winner in the New Business category.
In September 2007, both Phil and Dianna’s full-time jobs were being eliminated and with a dream (literally) of owning his own business, Pipkin has turned that dream into a successful reality.
Dream Pit was founded in February 2008 by the husband and wife duo with a passion for “The Quest for Perfect BBQ.”
“Our mission is to provide the highest quality and best tasting BBQ in East Tennessee!” said Dianna Pipkin. “We are a family-owned business and are committed to creating a tasteful and neighborly experience for our customers.”
Since they turned on the grills, Dream Pit has been awarded with the 2008 Racks by the Tracks, “People’s Choice” and “Best Ribs in Tri-Cities” Awards, the 2009 Mystery Diner Johnson City Press, “Best Ribs in the Tri-Cites” and “Best Servers in the Tri-Cities” Awards and the 2009 Kingsport Times-News, “People’s Choice Best BBQ” Award.
Most recently, they were awarded the 2011 Racks by the Tracks, “Champion” and “People’s Choice Best BBQ” Awards.
In addition, Dream Pit has received excellent reviews on its Facebook page, Phil’s Dream Pit with 500 plus fans.
This has all played a role in Dream Pit experiencing a 76% increase in sales from the first year they opened.
“We produce BBQ unmatched by any other restaurant in the area,” said Phil Pipkin. “Our smoking process creates tender, juicy, full-flavored meals. We offer chopped pork, beef brisket, baby back ribs, all beef hot dogs, chicken and homemade creamy chicken salad.”
BBQ favorites include, the chopped pork sandwich and platter, half chicken platter, half and full rack of Phil’s Dream Ribs, slicked beef brisket and the chicken salad sandwich.
All meals are cooked on-site and include a drink, baked beans and a choice of fresh coleslaw, potato or macaroni salad.
Homemade sauces, hats and t-shirts are available for purchase at the restaurant and philsdreampit.com.
As winners in the video competition, Dream Pit will have its award presentation included in a statewide press release and their video used for promotions of the annual competition.
Dream Pit is located at 534 Eastern Star Road. Take I-26 east to Eastern Star Road exit, turn left at the end of ramp and Dream Pit is half mile on the left, across from Averitt Express.
Hours of operation are Tuesday to Thursday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Carry-out (Dream Packs to Go) and catering for wedding, summer parties, reunions, church picnics, company picnics or any other special occasion is available. With any catered party, you have the option to have the “smoker” on site.
For more information on Phil’s Dream Pit call (423) 349.6437, visit philsdreampit.com, or follow them on Facebook, Phil’s Dream Pit or e-mail philsdreampit@aol.com.
It is the intent of KOSBE to be the go-to organization in the Tri-Cities for small business owners and entrepreneurs who want to start or grow their businesses, by creating and developing the right tools and resources and cultivating the right partnerships. In partnership with Tennessee Small Business Development Centers (TSBDC) at ETSU, KOSBE can more effectively serve the needs of entrepreneurs and small businesses. For a complete listing of services, tools and resources, visit kosbe.org.
The cooperative agreement between KOSBE and East Tennessee State University is partially funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). SBA’s funding is not an endorsement of any products, opinions or services. SBA funded programs are extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. Additional funding is provided by the Tennessee Board of Regents and the state of Tennessee.
To schedule your free confidential counseling appointment in a private setting by TSBDC-certified counselors in person, online by phone or e-mail call Marybeth McLain at (423) 392.8825 or e-mail, mmclain@kosbe.org.
For more information about the Tennessee Small Business Development Center (TSBDC) at ETSU Kingsport Affiliate Office and your Kingsport Office of Small Business Development & Entrepreneurship (KOSBE), visit tsbdc.org and kosbe.org or call (423) 392.8825. We’re social too; follow us on Facebook, Kosbe – The Small Business Connection, Twitter, @KOSBEConnection, LinkedIn group, KOSBE — The Small Business Connection and our YouTube Channel, KOSBEConnection.
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