Dock It Grille & Bar

Dock It Grille & Bar American cuisine on SML. R-37 by water!

02/24/2017

The next biggest day and undoubtedly perhaps one that ends and screams at us fortunately and most unbelievably the significance upon the future of our business ; was the day of our first interview. We new she was coming either she called the day before or our wonderful friend Jane had indeed phoned. Babies in tow we were ready for our close up. The meeting was the four of us and the reporter. Sitting around patio 6 was Michael, Landon 3, Hudson 2 and of course myself. Friendly banter and discussions were exchanged. It was very windy that day but Mary ( I believe ) ( honestly I never say this but I think I am wrong. ) ( Mary I believe correctly was her neighbor s name. Mary however shares the same surname as myself. Yes , I recall Mary Gordon as told to me by Mrs. Donna that she was a lady of importance. A staple here on SML. Donna asked if by chance I was a relative of Mary's. No, sadly I am not was my reply. The children's papers began lifting and the wind came on so strong. The wind occurred with such force;most impressive was how remarkably and abruptly the gusts of air circulated and struck. Crayons were pushed off table due to wind. Landon hollered because he was mad. Mad that the paper did not stay still as it should. Pookie, was gnawing and enjoying a green crayon. I remember looking at Pookie and laughing inside. And at the same time I felt a little embarrassed. Not a lot though. Takes much more for me to be embarrassed, in aww but and down right shocked. Nope he is two . Crayon as an appetizer, par fir the course at his age. Out of the blue and surprisingly with no warning at all the umbrella that was at our table in the center lifted straight up. And yes it happened so fast but it s**t up like a rocket going to space. And a quick peaceful glimpse of said umbrella reminded me of Julie Andrews in Mary Poppins as she soared high up holding yup you guessed it her umbrella. I jumped for it. Skirt and ALL. Graceful and and accuracy, no not that day folks. I failed. Yes, I did. I did not catch that target no I wish I had but however most importantly and yet at the same time shocking my partner in every aspect of my life and being;jumped up and by some stroke of genius and let me add it was an incredible head turning jaw dropping catch.Stunned but most importantly I was truly impressed ,intrigued What a brillant play. I remember thinking how did he catch that. I myself wearing a skirt jumped and against the cold hard facts , thought I jumped higher and with much more gull and ambition. WRONG. Shaking my head in amazement and mostly a dumbfounded baffled state. I yes was disappointed ( for my miss ) but heaven to bits to this very day I am still in awe and deeply and truly impressed by his catch. Really, I love Michael with all my heart yet I will say this simple fact I never in nine years ( at this time) saw witnessed the man act , move so he reacted so quickly, and precise I can say he captured that umbrella in a hot New York Minute. I sit here remembering his reaction time and I'm not picking I'm starting facts (that is what this is about ) however for him to engage and act in such a rapid manner you could think and believe that I was pregnant nine months with triplets and my water busted. Than again I say NO he would not have moved so fast. NEVER. He would say to me matter of faculty and in his wise witted sarcastic tone and slow mannerisms I" I don't know why your freaking, you have had five babies. You could deliver them yourself no help needed. Your good. It would be like me telling Bill Cosby how to enjoy J -E-L-L-O. But nothing short of those comments and yup more would even bother me, not one bit. Donna was such an intelligent, well rounded impeccable individual. She dug, pried and pulled the truth from US. She most certainly without a doubt or struggle reported the entire truth. And that she did. Donna in my eyes besides the obvious our traits, heart , determination and most pertinent OUR strong work ethics she started the domino theory that led to the catapultion of Michael and Sara Ann's successful rein on SML. And in conclusion I must add the true tale from here only gets better. Lively, comical, struggles, winter, betrayal , failures, deception, controversy, hiring, firing some quitting, friends, enemies , lovers, steamy unforbiden , weaknesses, trials and straight up tribulations. But most of all let me stake claim on three words that sum US up Will, Relentlessness, and Persurveilence.

02/23/2017

The very next morning we awoke and got dressed and ready. The gas leak will be.fixed. We can only press on. Fourth day ugh.... perhaps the most discouraging of the days thus far. SML we wanted to be different, US. We wished to stand out of the crowd not be boggled down or confused amongst the masses. So, WE opened on Monday's and closed Tuesday's. We tried to get you out and a place to meet, greet, seat but most of all eat out on Mondays. This day was so incredibly long. Everything was clean. Of course. It was me working. Everything was put away efficiently and labeled. I remember laying across the three outdoor patio bar stools. For some odd reason and fact I remember holding a fly swatter. Don't know why. Wait , yup I do. I was swatting bees. Hornets. Yes, as crazy as that sounds that is exactly what I was doing ALL morning and afternoon. The things we do when bored, worried or the dominat simple fact was I was second guessing our decision of Monday's. WE would have worked every day every hour if it was left up to our own devices. Than again our children did want to see us and spend the day with us. So, Tuesday it was. Day off. I recall almost falling asleep because my klutzy behind fell off stools. Swatter in toe. Boom. I got up super fast did not want mike to call me a du***ss. It did not work. He heard, saw and laughed at me. About a minute later Michael said. We will give it to six thirty if no one comes by than we will leave. Ok. Will go home. There is a reason why no one is open on Mondays Sara Ann. People on SML just don't come out. I felt angst and so much discouragement and yes heart broken. Ok. Sad but most importantly crucial fact I now sitting on a bar stool swinging aimlessly and hitting bees occasionally as they flew by thought and wished deep inside that no one would or will show or come to eat. Reminiscing about that now I think shame on you. But at that moment I threw in my hand, hands straight up I relinquish. I fought a great fight but lost. I quit. I just want to go home and be with, cuddle my babies. For they were there. They were always there. My gang. My legacy. They would embrace me with warm gentle hugs. I was ready. Three more minutes and counting down I get to go home. I think this day I was more exhausted at this time caused by pure boredom and lack of action than I was Friday and Saturday! Saturday was anything but boring. In fact , that was the most engaging, interesting, intriguing incredibly busy yet most exhilarating day to date. I had the entire patio filled. Four tables inside. 47 Entrees Michael counted. He was over the moon and completely and utterly impressed with my service and skills. I was just as impressed. We did not miss a step nor beat. We were in sync. Mind you this was when ( obviously we just opened ) pen and paper tickets. I'd place it he would make it and I delivered. For about three hours nonstop. Remarkable. We did that ALL evening. If I were to ask him now about that day and night his answer ( and he does not swear to often. If he does something's up. You are most likely going to hear me cuss like yes I'm from NY a sailor by golly. He would say no hesitation or pause nor thought hands down " S**t, I don't know how WE did it. How WE pulled that off. Than he would snicker and laugh. I just know that it was absolute magic between us and that work day. There is probably never another day and evening nor party that we controlled and delivered with the upmost promptness and certainty of both food and service. That was and is one for the books. Anyhow, I remember jumping up. It is six thirty . You said we could go at six thirty. Michael says I did and agreed we will call it a night tonight. We had a long tiring weekend. Let's go home and enjoy who and what we are doing this for. I was so extremely excited. Not because I wanted to quit. But the simple fact was I didn't set boundaries he did. He had the experience most of all patience I on the other hand had the Drive and heart . However most importantly to me he yes indeed gave me a way out. Wiggle room. Shut the patio door . Unbelievably at that mil a second that I began celebrating my victory of going home ......, three tables walked on. Now, I celebrated a much bigger, promising and enchanting victory. WE had business on Monday. Sure it was three tables but it was still more than we did ALL day. You think about it. If it had been after we went home or called it a night or worse Michael shut off the Grille we may have not continued being open in Monday's. Two minutes that too could have change the course of actions and turn out. GOD is good. Everything does happen for a reason not chance. A reason. That victory although tiresome, teedy and the dullest by far, It in turn became the most promising, altering, moving and engaging with the future of the business. Monday's could be spent on SML at Dock It. Family owned , family ran all homemade fresh never frozen American Cuisine!!!! Dock It finally scored a point. Pure joy and most incredibly undeniably liberating !!! We got this.

02/23/2017

Gas leak. That is exactly what happened our first Sunday open. Plucked right from the sky. Seriously we were heartbroken. A miffed. Looking back now I remember we had guests on the patio already. Unbelievable, the day we were ready wearing, sporting and advertising our baby. BAM. Knocked down. This would mark, start and begin the many wam bams we would face and whole heartedly overcome during our 21 month old running. But I reflect back now and think of the guests that I had to disappoint telling them I am so terribly sorry but we can not make you breakfast today. That day was the first for me. I have always worked in restaurants. I love it. I have three degrees but I love working in restaurants and with the people. Noble profession. But I won't lie I made really great money for my time. I was and am great at working, serving, talking, listening to people. An intelligent person with ( this is a lost art but a true must be, capable and practice trait but an absolute no if ands or butts about it. Must HAVE and use ) common sense: COMMON SENSE can do extremely and quite well financially. However on a side note I will say I am beginning to not only see but first hand reluctantly mind you common sense is a dying trait. I will be the first to say and stand by my statement if the phone did not tell today's young folks what to do or simply how to breath they would not inhale or exhale. Breathing what is that. I'm sure someone said or thought that somewhere. So anyways our first Sunday I had to not only tell these people on the patio that I am awfully sorry and in fact frustrated and just as disappointed as you that we can not give you breakfast on the lake today. That was and will always stick out in my mind. My first problem and issue I would face as a manager; an owner. But like Michael told me with his cocky self confidence you can do this baby, you got this. I have faith. I did not think I could do it. But the southern charmer was a hundred percent right. I'll be. Hot diggity dog I came I saw I conquered. My fear. I hate telling people no. Just ask my children that is why they are so bad, (LOL)rambunctious, loud but mostly fun loving with a hint , touch of dash of unpredictability. Except by me. I can say who and why and what each may do. I'm momma. And yes they are each ( or perhaps Michael and I are ) a tad bit off kilter. Another words crazy. Crazy fun. And not the crazy that was a stigma in the fifties. No. What I should have said and now I will clarify my statement there is never ever a dull, boring moment. One of them as I am getting one down and off chandelier another is climbing up It and one is jumping out window. Don't blink here. You do you missed a mini show.
After the patio was clear I pulled the phone book out and looked up gas fuel delivery. Glenwood nor Davenport would come out to Indian Point. We were or have not yet reached out to such a company. However, Davenport held the contract with previous owners. They would not budge shift or sway in our direction. Remember one dispatcher saying it is Sunday. Really, it is I did not know what day of the week it is. Smh. Some people say unbelievably moronic things. Guess what Davenport would not get my business. Glenwood, tried but the one delivery driver they had was busy and booked. They said we could sit and stay there and that perhaps when his route and or day slowed down he would come out. We knew they were just being kind and that the man would not be capable of helping us before the end of day. Discouraged and a touch of self pity we reluctantly went home. We felt defeated that entire day I recollect. At least I did. Woe is me. There was no time for such thoughts. I do recall throwing myself almost a pity party. But Michael with his many years of experience in the business reassured and disclosed to me that things like this occur. That it was normal. And this luck or lack there of having a gas leak is much better to have it happen now early on than in the future or later. We only had to dismiss several people it was not as if we had to tell forty or more that we could not serve them. It was a handful. He was right. Than after that wise fact he basically in redneck southern south caralacky fashion ( love you baby ) firm told me to stand up and pull my boot straps up so to speak. Life goes on Sara Ann and you better realize that soon not any later. This was the very moment that this mans motivational skills worldly knowledge but most of all experience deem clear so bright and with in an instant clarity was in the midst. His words sometimes mumbled but not now hit me with an up right certainty. He hit that ball out of park. He drove the ball home and with out any hesitation spoke the truest truths to me. WE well I was seeing another aspect of him and he was showing, delivering me to my new self, myself. A part of my character my being shining through had I never had before Dock It. Well, probably always there just never used. It would have stayed nestled and imbedded inside myself possibly forever. Until my Michael pointed that characteristic trait out to me. That I held that and have my entire life. I grew that morning as a owner. A manager. Leader yes I always have been however now I was a leader with confidence, stance and no hesitations and really no uncertainty, reservations and doubt. Michael was accurate. He saw polished and nurtured my skills. He has and did this very instant bring out the best in me. A me I never imagined, thought, dreamt or anticipated. I think somewhere no I know that I thought that Michael will save and handle every situation. So I thought. When the going gets tough I would run to Michael and he will fix it. Easy. I reflect and sometimes in amazement am just speechless at the real outcome. He led this horse to water and forced me to drink for myself. He was not going to be my savior. Hero no more not for stuff he knew I could handle. Scared I did press forward learn and proceed. For he was right. I need to know how to do these things. Who will teach your daughters Sara Ann if you don't. Speechless . Yes, me for a minute was and still when I think of such statement I again become speechless.

02/23/2017

Before I begin I will state yes I know what I am doing. Most importantly I speak the truth. Always have. You know me SML never pulled a punch nor did I ever be dishonest. Even if it was something I was not proud of. I spoke the truth. So , here goes. Anchors Away , our ambition ended. ( lost, stolen which ever way it was ended ).
Most of you know us by our friendly smile, services and one hundred percent damn good cooking. Michael he did it ALL. Amazing. Yes, all of it truly was. And he ROCKED it at Dock It. Cutting own fries, patting burgers, taking trash out my word what he did not do. And what he could not do ( not lack of ability; just time ) I did. And WE enjoyed so much. Yes, there were many times griping came in to play. But quickly one of us reminded the other US of why and what we are doing. Than the bi$$$ fits ceased. But there were numerous times of us doing such fit throwing . But most of ALL questioning are motive and pure true blind ambition. Misery. Second guessing our actions, plan. Self doubt for the most part. And again we talked and pointed out to ourselves and each other just what we were creating. We were molding , creating a legacy for our five children. With every sweat dropped, tear shed and laughs we were ensuring our children's future. WE took nothing and built SOMETHING!!! Any how I got side tracked. Dock It was our sixth child. We cared, nurtured, molded and lived to make that place strive. March until April 30, 2015 is a time I will always hold in great regard and possibly the fondest of my memory bank. Mike steadily for hours taped up the walls of the restaurant. Hours. But by gosh he did it. Than you had me painting. Lol. The two of us solid. No one was going to tell us how or what we needed to do. We just did it. When it got so tricky with the paint and headache of it I literally took a small artist paint brush and relentlessly went around the entire project looking, spotting and fixing flaws. It had to be perfect. Or as best as WE could with our talents. When it came time to do the trim not paint trim ; wood trim Michael prevailed. Yes he did. No carpentry background and truth no skills at wood work he muffled through. As for myself I sanded the pews that sat as you entered and the Tiki Bar. Than , I stained all. That was relatively easy. I love doing such odd jobs. Than the day the health department inspector John arrived. Thought WE were solid. No problems. Boy was I wrong. Eleven. Eleven big no no's . As for money now WE were broke. But somehow we had to fix eleven violations within the next two days. All of it was building maintenance and not our department. For WE should not or was not supposed to fix and it be accountable for. However, we had to. Most of the violations Michael and myself brought to the land lords attention in March. Nothing. Now it needs to be fixed or the doors can not nor will they be alllowed to open to the public the first of May. Let me tell you . I laid linoleum and secured down in back prep room. I also cut floor border and put up. Because there was this one foot of area missing the dang floor border. I cannot really peg what Michael did exactly. I believe something was done with cooler ( walk in) and light bulbs. Toilets something with toilet in woman's rest area. Ice machine we had to move. Even though it was broke on the bottom and we were just using for storage it could not be in the spot it was. Also , we had to cover up crack. On a shoe string in all factuality WE; him and I fixed the buildings eleven malfunctions. I believe how we got the money for linoleum and other parts I brought back a dress and shirt to Dollar General. We got store credit and purchased the items we needed. Than we became tile layers, refrigerator repair men, movers, plumbers, crack hiders and much more to help get our dream off the ground. WE passed. Two days later a Wednesday WE passed!!!! We got the OK. So we prevailed. We got shook, knocked down and almost flattened. But during the storm we stood. We did weather that storm. Up to the end of course WE stood steady and strong. So cosmetically and as far as atmosphere went we had that down. Now, is when WE really robbed Peter to pay Paul.
We began our journey with just our savings. Mind you Michael and I always worked. Never doubt that. Yet , with five children savings is a joke. But with $5008 we press forward. Honestly, we persevered . This was the tricky part. We had to order everything. It was our grand opening. I recall saying it is bad enough we are opening without our liquor license . WE have to have Everything on menu an option. Michael of course concurred. WE had not a penny. Hand to the sky and other on the holy bible we had nothing. Smh. My Aunt told me to order what we needed everything we needed and they would help us out in food bill. I told Mike, don't worry my aunt says just get and order everything we need and she and her husband would pay the tab. So, we did. WE ordered everything. I'm not sure if you recall but I do. When we first started we had Fish Friday, AYCE BBQ and AYCE Comfort food and Prime Rib Thursday nights. Any way that was a lot of meat to order. Not to mention the bear necessities of salt, sugars, paper products. We placed our huge order. It was over two thousand seven hundred bucks. Called my aunt. No dice no go. Baffled, shocked and quite frankly amazed and mistified not to mention most importantly crushed , scared and truly disappointed. Nothing. I called my father. He did help with what he could. But my father is a blue collar working man fromNY state. He is a correctional officer. Also my sister is autistic and has special needs. With that my father such a wonderful man, big teddy bear (picture Dan Connor )his wife/companion of twenty some odd years just began her own business the year before. So money was awfully tight. He sent me five hundred. What did we do. The only option and hand we had left to play. Write a check. Gamble. Pray. So, that is precisely what we had to do. We wrote a check for over $2700 knowing damn well we could not nor did we have a pot to p**s in. Smh. We prayed we would make that money that weekend. Friday-Sunday. And WE in fact by the grace of GOD we made that money on Friday and Saturday. Him and I. That is ALL we had working. WE did it. And Sunday would have been a bonus except we had a gas leak that morning. Now, the first two days open we did not have our Dock It shirts. Saturday night we did not get home until way after 12 am. Our shirts were outside in a package. Man I remember thinking now we are hot s**t. We got our shirts we made the money we needed for food. Our dream has come true and we do got this baby. We walked down the marina like we owned it. Sporting our logo with pride and pure joy. Guess what we were sadly disappointed when we discovered gas leak. I remember as I sat down to count the drawer the night before (Saturday) I smelt gas. I mentioned to Michael but he was so busy and distracted working cleaning up he did not pay me no mind. Dressed to the tens and rip roaring ready to go.... Shot down. Yet again. Story gets better. Just started the naked truth of Dock It the Dream and sadly untimely demise !!!

Attention friends on SML and all around• Michael King and Sara Ann Gordon were extremely privileged on our first attemp...
01/09/2017

Attention friends on SML and all around• Michael King and Sara Ann Gordon were extremely privileged on our first attempt at our dream. It was our very pleasure meeting and serving ALL of you these past twenty-one months . Unfortunately, yes as of now Dock It Grille and Bar is closed. It was unforeseen and not at all planned events that caused us to lock our doors. However, we do wish to see you soon!!!! We have not given up. We are just getting started. We learned and we grew. We had a very wonderful time at Indian Point Marina. This summer was a little rocky to say the least. No, the entire 2016 year was one hell of a ride. Stay friends on OUR Dock It page and we will keep you posted!!! Thank you again our friends. You each gave us incredible times and memories. WE will treasure you forever. SECOND CHANCES here we come!!!

With much love,
~Sara Ann Gordon~

The Laker Mimosa every Sunday two fifty Not annoyed phone acting up I dropped sorry I am Happy and blessed
12/11/2016

The Laker
Mimosa every Sunday two fifty

Not annoyed phone acting up I dropped sorry I am Happy and blessed

12/10/2016

8 am starting tomorrow breakfast will be served. You wanted us here earlier. We listened and now we are. So, come on in at eight because we got you a plate!! Hope to see you at 8am!!! ~Sara Ann ~

12/10/2016

Let me buy you a drink. SML it was a long summer, winter just begun. So, I tell you what you come here to Dock It tonight and you can drink draft beer on me!!! All through your meal. Yesterday was my birthday and I feel like seeing my friends. So, if you want great food and draft beer at a low price of $16.99 come on in and Just Dock It. starts now ends at 9pm! ~Sara Ann ~
Enjoy your evening !!

12/09/2016

WINTER HOURS
Breakfast before Church
Fresh, Hot and Homemade
Never Frozen
Mom and Pop Place

Friday's 9-9pm
Saturday's 9-9pm
Sunday 8-4pm
Monday 11:30 - 8pm

Never been " Come on In"
Here before but went out the door, Food is great come try a plate!!!

~ SAG ~

Please share SML. Not only for the Dock It family but for your friends that may not even know we are here. Open MONDAYS all year round!!!!

OPEN every holiday but Christmas!!!

Happy Holidays!!! Merry Christmas!!! And a Happy New Year!!!

Located next to Magnum Boating
Inside Indian Point Marina ( lower level)

Good day great people. Hope all is well. Here at Dock It we are whipping up homemade sides to go with your ALL YOU CAN...
12/09/2016

Good day great people. Hope all is well. Here at Dock It we are whipping up homemade sides to go with your ALL YOU CAN EAT CATFISH!! Fried or grilled:) Lemon Pepper, Cajun and / or plain!! Change how you get your fish, change your sides any time and many times!!! Enjoy the beautiful day! Please give us your opinion of your dining experience here. We can only grow and become stronger with any of your your feedback!! ~ Sara Ann ~

12/04/2016

Good afternoon SML!! Hope you are enjoying your Sunday! đŸ¤—. I would like to take a moment to let everyone who may have had a different experience at Dock It this summer that it has been fixed. Everything is back to original state. We are stronger and more driven if anything! I am genuinely Sorry to all those who may have been here and witnessed an awkward/different experience. From the bottom of my heart. Thank you SML! I hope you will come and check us out!! ~ Sara Ann~

We enjoyed serving the Johnsons today. Remember, Dock It when planning your Holiday gatherings!
11/25/2016

We enjoyed serving the Johnsons today. Remember, Dock It when planning your Holiday gatherings!

Address

2033 Morewood Road
Hardy, VA
24101

Telephone

+15409120112

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