An uninteresting and totally skippable post from Todd

Written on December 11, 2011 at 4:08 pm, by admin

When we started this project nearly 4 years ago, we had no idea where it would take us. And of course, we had no idea the building renovations would take so long or be so difficult. And we had no idea the extent of people’s passion for white russian milkshakes and 70′s-era transvestites.

We love Pickler’s Famous. But we love sleep more. And the feeling that we’re not running on a treadmill. And spending time with our cats. And talking to each other. So although the Pickler’s Famous business has basically been a financial break-even for us, and provided us almost limitless access to dangerous quantities of ice cream, after nine months in operation we’re forced to face the reality that there are better things in store for us in life. It’s time for us to move on.

It’s not you – it’s me.

Why the sudden change? Some of you may know that I recently accepted a new job that thrills me more than the revelation that the Kardashian-Humphries wedding lasted 70 days longer than I expected.

At the same time we’ve been building up Pickler’s, our brother-in-law Brad has been realizing his dream of a company that is revolutionizing the safety eyewear industry.

Because a video is easier than a long-winded explanation.

Over the last few years, Brad and I have supported and leaned on each other in our respective endeavors – swapping advice, war stories and encouragement over countless beers (I haven’t been counting, anyway) in too-many bars between Kirksville and Chicago.

What neither Brad nor I nor the rest of the family imagined was how quickly his company would grow – internationally – in less than a year. The very same time we were training workers to open Pickler’s in early 2011, Brad’s small team suddenly got very, very busy.

A few months ago he approached me to join the team. After not much discussion and very little soul-searching, I sprung up like a frog on an electric fence, raised my hands to the heavens, opened my mouth wide and loudly proclaimed: “Why not. I’ll give it a whirl.”

And because my biggest contribution up to this point has been helping him settle on a name for the company, I know we’re destined for greatness.

What the he…

…ck does that mean for Pickler’s Famous? Glad you asked.

At first, my plan was to move my office to Pickler’s, where I could simultaneously relieve some of the management pressure off of Bich and work remotely for Brad.  However, it turns out that’s not going to work after all for a variety of reasons – not the least of which that there’s some travel involved and the work is a bit more intense and fast-shifting.

So Bich and I have been having some serious discussions. Yes, we actually managed to talk in private. Since we opened Pickler’s Famous, we’ve maintained respectable sales and a pretty good reputation for good movies, fun events and pretty good homemade ice cream in a one-of-a-kind atmosphere. But it’s basically been a break-even proposition for us thus far – which is both good and bad. We have yet to take home a penny from all this and, if the stories we hear about first-time businesses are true, we can’t realistically expect that to get better for another few years. We also hoped that, by now, we would have it to a point where it could run itself without our daily involvement. But we’re still far from that.

Plus, our ice cream dipping/display freezer conveniently broke last week, which will cost us thousands.

Also I got a hangnail.

Clearly, some soul-searching was in order.

Drumroll, please.

We ultimately decided that, although we love bringing unique movies to the ‘ville, planning fun events, meeting new faces, concocting new ice cream flavors, building a close-knit team of awesome white-capped soda jerks and serving our dedicated customers, Bich and I aren’t terribly interested in continuing to toil for no pay into the foreseeable future while we let this exciting new opportunity to join this family business pass by.

So we’re going out with a bang this Friday, 3pm to midnight, with free ice cream and soda for all until we run out. You can also catch Santa Claus vs. The Devil in Extreme HeckleVision 2D for $2 admission and free popcorn – 2 showings . Bring your cellphone to text your comments to the screen. It’s a blast. And it’s our way of saying thanks. Need 5 gallons of chocolate sauce? Make us an offer. Seriously.

Then we’re going to close our day-to-day operations until we can find a person (or persons) interested in leasing our spaces. It’s a great opportunity for someone with a dream – and perhaps more experience than we have – to come in and make something even more awesome out of it. Fine dining comes to mind. The movie theater and stage is fertile ground for a performance group or film society to bloom. Those are just a couple ideas. I feel like we’ve already done all the hard prep work.

In the meantime, we will continue to be available for booking your event/party/birthday/anniversary/performance/conference/meeting/bar mitzvah/alligator wrestling/kabuki puppet show. Events have recently been quite lucrative for us, and we’ve successfully catered small get-togethers and big banquets – from fancy hors d’oeuvres to sit-down banquets. We still have a food permit and a liquor license.

We’re also becoming quite the birthday party destination, and we’ll be posting some party packages to the website soon. Events are easier to manage because we can plan and prepare in advance.

But where will I propose to my girlfriend?

We also understand this is going to disappoint a few of you. It makes us sad too. In any case, we did what we set out to do and the downtown will forever be changed. At least that’s what we tell ourselves. We’ll miss all of you – even the ones who leave Battleship pieces all over the floor (you know who you are). Thank you so much for taking this ride with us together. The road continues on, but this is our stop.

Just shoot me a message at toddkuhns@gmail.com with any ideas, questions or deep-seated anxieties. And let’s celebrate this weekend in a major way.

Forever Doo-Wop and more at Pi…

Written on February 22, 2012 at 9:39 am, by admin

Forever Doo-Wop and more at Pickler’s Famous – http://t.co/UeKBtezX

Forever Doo-Wop @picklersfamou…

Written on February 21, 2012 at 3:42 pm, by admin

Forever Doo-Wop @picklersfamous – http://t.co/BKWl0q9A

Forever Doo-Wop – tickets on-sale now!

Written on February 20, 2012 at 10:29 pm, by admin

BLEND is the a cappella doo-wop group bringing back hits from the 50′s and 60′s with a twist of fun!

March 13 (Tue) @ 7pm
The Orpheum at Pickler’s Famous 
8.50 in advance / 10 at the door

Get your advance tickets online by clicking this link

Beginning in 2005, the show quickly gained attention as audiences in 16 states began to love seeing appearances of special guests such as Elvis, Roy Orbison, the Duke of Earl, and even comedian Stagger Lee throughout the show. The group is still touring throughout the country today presenting their ever popular show, Forever Doo Wop…A Tribute to the 50′s and 60′s.

The real strength of Blend lies in their ability to entertain crowds of all ages with their renditions of songs which most everyone has heard at one point or another.

Now they’re coming to the Orpheum Theater at Pickler’s Famous for their Kirksville premiere!

Jazz show is PACKED tonight. S…

Written on January 12, 2012 at 9:08 pm, by admin

Jazz show is PACKED tonight. Still 2-3 empty seats if you’re thinking of coming out. Haven’t even finished their first set yet.

Warm up tonight with hot jazz …

Written on January 12, 2012 at 4:51 pm, by admin

Warm up tonight with hot jazz @ 8pm. $5 cover, $3 bottles Blvd Wheat & Sam Adams. Plenty to fill your body while the music feeds your soul.

Live jazz combo – Drew William…

Written on January 10, 2012 at 11:15 am, by admin

Live jazz combo – Drew Williams/Tim Aubuchon Quartet – this Thurs, 8-10pm, $5 cover. Seriously great musicians.

Live Jazz at Pickler’s Famous …

Written on January 10, 2012 at 11:13 am, by admin

Live Jazz at Pickler’s Famous – http://t.co/lPysb9TH

Tonight’s the night.

Written on December 16, 2011 at 12:37 pm, by admin

Tonight’s the night we put the cherry on top…Free ice cream & soda, and a fun movie.

C’mon out and experience the place as Pickler’s Famous one last time.

Tonight’s we put the cherry on…

Written on December 16, 2011 at 12:36 pm, by admin

Tonight’s we put the cherry on top…Free ice cream & soda, and a fun movie. C’mon out and experience Pickler’s Famous one last time.

Jazz Concert

Written on December 13, 2011 at 9:10 am, by admin

Title: Jazz Concert
Location: The Orpheum
Description: Some of the best local names in jazz join some jazz greats from Kansas City and beyond for an evening you won’t forget.

Drew Williams- Saxophones
Tim AuBuchon-Saxophones
Bill McKemy-Bass
Brian Steever-Drums

Date: 2012-01-12
Start Time: 7:00pm
End Time: 9:30pm