KOSBE Award Winner Phil’s Dream Pit Wins SBA State of Tennessee Entrepreneurial Success Award
June 22, 2012
KINGSPORT, Tenn. – KOSBE client and past award winner, Phil’s Dream Pit was recognized by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as the State of Tennessee Entrepreneurial Success Award winner.
Photo caption: Walter Perry, Dianna and Phil Pipkin and Aundrea Wilcox.
Walter Perry, district director of SBA’s Tennessee District Office presented owners, Phil and Dianna Pipkin with the award this morning at the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce’s Fourth Friday Breakfast sponsored by Charter Media.
SBA celebrates National Small Business Week every year with events and award ceremonies held in Washington D.C. This year, May 20-26, was designated National Small Business Week with SBA Tennessee winners receiving their awards at ceremonies throughout the month.
“These award winners represent the many excellent small businesses that we have in the Volunteer State,” said Perry. “All across Tennessee, our hard working award winners are the very best at what they do, including today’s recipients, the Pipkin’s of Phil’s Dream Pit.”
“Dianna and I want to thank SBA for selecting our business as the Entrepreneurial Success winner out of the many qualified applicants in this category across the state.” said Phil Pipkin. “We are very humbled to know all the long hours of hard work have been noticed.”
Phil’s Dream Pit is a 2009 KOSBE Award Winner in the New Business category.
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, 2009 Kingsport Times-News, “People’s Choice Best BBQ” Award, 2011 Racks by the Tracks, “Champion” and the “People’s Choice Best BBQ” Awards, 2011 State of Tennessee, “What Makes You an Entrepreneur?” Video Contest Award winner, 2011 Sam’s Club, “Small Business of the Year” Award and 2011 ABC’s, “The Best of the U.S. Sweepstakes – Best Barbeque” Award.
Most recently, the 2012 Racks by the Tracks, “Restaurant Division” Award.
“We produce BBQ unmatched by any other restaurant in the area,” said P. Pipkin. “Our smoking process creates tender, juicy, full-flavored meals. We offer pulled pork, pork wings, beef brisket, baby back ribs, all beef hot dogs, chicken and homemade creamy chicken salad.”
BBQ favorites include, the pulled 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.
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 Saturday 11 a.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.
A complete list of all award winners is available on the National Small Business Week at http://www.nationalsmallbusinessweek.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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