Rookies has passed the test to become a veteran establishment on the downtown square.
After three years of touch-and-go moments, restaurant owners Carrie and Mike Sailor feel business is good enough to declare, were here to stay.
Two pieces of evidence lay proof to their claim.
Were out of the danger zone in terms of being able to pay our bills, said Mike, with a somewhat sheepish smile.
For Carrie, the fact that theyve recently purchased a home is a mile-marker.
After two-and-a-half years, were moving out of my parents home! she exclaimed.
Bet that makes everyone happy, this reporter responded.
Youre telling me, she deadpanned.
ROOKIES Bar & Grill passed its three-year mark on Sept. 26.
Even though armed with an abundance of passion and energy, the Sailors said keeping the doors open on the family-style restaurant that specializes in pizza, pasta and burgers, has required not only persistence but also being open to change.
Were always thinking how can we be better. What does Iola need? said Carrie, adding that the exercise prompted them to begin the now-popular steak nights on Friday and Saturday.
Everyone in the business warned us to stay away because of its high failure rate, she said.
But this was her dream, Mike said, and the supportive husband he is, encouraged her to pursue it.
Also, Carrie does not know the word no.
Im a somewhat goal-oriented person, she explained, while Mike sat silent, suppressing an obvious urge to comment.
