Jess and Jeremiah Woodall open their first restaurant, Crazy J’s, on April 26 in Polkton.
Liz O’Connell | Anson Record
POLKTON — An Anson-native will get a shot to follow her lifelong dream of opening her own restaurant after acquiring the space formerly occupied by the beloved BJ’s restaurant in Polkton.
Jess Woodall has worked in the food industry almost her whole life, from waiting tables to helping others open their own restaurants.
“This has always been a dream of mine to open my own restaurant,” Woodall said. “I thought, ‘Well, instead of making money for someone else, might as well try it on our own.’”
Woodall saw the previous owner advertise that she was looking for someone to lease the space previously home to BJ’s. After talking over the pricing with her husband, Jeremiah, she knew her crazy dream was about to become a reality.
The Woodall’s are tackling this project with five children at home. Their oldest daughter works as a server. One of their sons wants to grow up and become a chef, which he will have plenty of time to practice at the restaurant. They know the level of commitment that comes with owning a restaurant, but the Woodall’s are full steam ahead.
The Woodall’s initially inquired about the space on the first of March and, less than two months later, the space was painted, cleaned, renamed to Crazy J’s and guests were lining up out the door.
Monday, April 26 was opening day for Crazy J’s and the hectic busy rush never seemed to slow down.
“We’re going through probably 50 pounds of hamburger meat a day,” Jess said. “We keep running out of food!”
The Woodall’s have had three trucks come throughout the week, delivering more food as they constantly go through their previous orders.
The clubs and Philly sandwiches are the most popular items through week one. Woodall said those items are selling like crazy.
The previous owner had a hot bar at the restaurant so regulars might be surprised when they come into the new space. Woodall is starting out with the grill and what she is familiar with, before she adds in other items.
But for the most part, regulars are excited a restaurant is still staying in Polkton as there are not many options in the town to eat, according to Woodall.
Woodall is mostly in the kitchen cooking, but as they hire more employees she would like to be in the front of the house to manage. If you are interested in applying, fill out an application at the restaurant. The Woodall’s are looking for new and reliable employees that will make guests feel welcomed, relaxed and comfortable.
Woodall said it has not even hit her yet that her dream has become a reality. The long first week did not leave her much time to soak it all in.
Looking ahead, the Woodall’s hope to business stays alive to sign another lease. Right now the lease is for one year. They plan on adding a few more tables and putting up a TV on one of the walls, especially for the morning customers to come in an enjoy a cup of Joe while watching the news.
They also hope to host car show in the summer with a curb-side diner service like you would see back in the day with music and delicious food.
Crazy J’s is opened from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and Friday and Saturday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. for both inside service or to-go orders.
Reach Liz O’Connell at 704-994-5471 or eoconnell@ansonrecord.com.
