New restaurant owners "double business"

GREEN SPRINGS—Since taking ownership of a well-known local restaurant, Caleb and Angela (Angie) Rice said they have doubled the restaurant's business in sales after taking over the former Papa Jimmie's BBQ, Pizza & More and transforming it into Big C's Smokehouse and Pizza. Because Papa Jimmie's was known for its handmade pizza dough and other specialty food, Caleb and Angie explained they continue to carry the same menu items the restaurant has always had. They've even added new items such as side dishes, and desserts including a former 'big nut pizza' and 'strawberry pizza.' "Sixteen years ago when I worked here, they did breakfast," Angie, a Tiffin native, said. "So we also brought breakfast back." Angie explained she previously worked as a server, bartender and helped cook pizzas at the restaurant when it was Papa Jimmie's. When the previous owners could no longer run the business due to health conditions, Angie said she and Caleb decided it was their chance to step in, and keep the business and tradition going. Caleb's mother is also employed at the restaurant as a manager, but overall has worked for the business for 15 years. Caleb and Angie officially took ownership of the restaurant on April 29 of this year, and since then have updated the bar area, interior walls, bathrooms, kitchen and restaurant furniture. The duo noted they kept the same color scheme within the restaurant to help carry on the tradition of the Broadway Street novelty. "We basically just gave it a facelift," Angie said, adding that she feels the restaurant brings value to the community not only by continuing a tradition, but also by providing local jobs. "One of the biggest changes in here is that now we accept debit cards," Caleb said, noting Papa Jimmies previously did not take card payments or use a POS system. "It's made business better for us, and has pretty much doubled our business," he said. Additionally, they have hired 13 employees altogether and are looking for an additional two. Angie explained that when the restaurant was in business Papa Jimmies, there were only four employees overall. "It's brighter, it's more welcoming, it's bigger," Angela said of the restaurant's new updates. "We have teamwork, communication and a lot more organization." Caleb said he is hoping the restaurant will provide a place where the older and new generations can find a place to gather together through services offered by Big C's. The Rice's plan to incorporate additional upgrades to the business, located at 121 S. Broadway St., and in the meantime will continue to "provide a restaurant to a small community, at small community prices," Caleb said.