12/15/2024
12-15-24 ODS update
Absolutely first and foremost, we want to thank EVERYONE who has helped us out in so many ways over the past couple of months. We are overwhelmed with gratitude. Whether physically helping, financially helping, checking in on us or simply keeping us in your thoughts and prayers, it has made a significant impact.
Things are progressing along but the reality hits us nearly everyday that it’s gonna take some time. Our target time to reopen is still by late spring/early summer 2025 if things go according to plan.
So here’s our current update:
After several weeks of clearing out and cleaning up the lower level of Okie Dokies, which includes the smokehouse, prep kitchen, walk-in cooler, storage, mechanical and office spaces, we received our building permit and have moved on to the rebuild process. Our entire lower level, including all electrical service panels and wiring had to be replaced. Our electrician is doing an amazing job and we now have (limited) power back on. We are currently waiting on the two HVAC units to be installed and then we’ll be able to move on with the rest of the rebuild process.
Our beloved smoker “Buella” had to be shipped back to the manufacturer in Texas for a full refurbishment. She should be back to us sometime in January.
In the meantime, we decided to go back to our roots and ordered a new custom “food trailer”instead of a truck (like we lost). After pricing them, a replacement truck would have cost at least four to five times as much as the trailer. This seemed to be the most financially sensible thing for us to do right now with all the rebuilding and repairs we have to do to the building. Once the new trailer arrives, we will need to finish equipping it and then of course approved by the health department. Once that’s complete, we can start pouring back into our community the way so many of you have been pouring into us.
We will always be incredibly grateful for each and every one of you that gave to us either through “Go Fund Me” or personal contributions.
There are still a lot of hurdles to overcome, but once we get past these and pass all of our inspections, we are determined to come back better and stronger than ever.
We’ll keep you posted and as always but now more than ever, thank que for your suppork!!
Steve, Jody, and crew
