KEVIN HALPERN, Courier Co-Editor
Wednesday, February 1, 2012 4:48 am
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Joe's Place, located on Tatum St. on the Woodbury Square, has a new menu, new interior look and a new co-owner.
"We have redone everything," co-owner Randy Barrett said. "Our goal is to try and keep a country atmosphere but still be more of an upscale restaurant."
To assist in making the changes Barrett, who has owned Joe's Place since 2006, brought in Charles Maynard as a co-owner.
For Maynard, who is retired after working for over 30 years in the automotive industry, it's a new experience.
"I have enjoyed it much more than I thought I would because of the people (customers)," Maynard said. "Their response to the changes has been overwhelming, much better than I could have ever imagined.
"I haven't had a customer yet make any negative comments," Maynard added. "They tell me they like it and appreciate it. We are trying to do what every good restaurant, good business, should do, and that is put the customers first."
As co-owners, Barrett will handle the business aspects of Joe's Place, while Maynard will be responsible for customer service.
Barrett said that running a restaurant as a one-man show for six years was putting a strain on him.
"We thought it was time to take Joe's to the next level," Barrett said. "In the future we are looking at the possibility of serving homemade pizzas, fresh cut steaks, and a bigger variety of desserts."
The daily menu at Joe's has already undergone some enhancements. Customers now have a choice of three meats instead of two, and four vegetables. Joe's burgers, which made the place famous throughout the region, and fried chicken will continue to be offered daily.
"Joe's Place is an icon in the community," Maynard said. "People want to eat here because it's like sitting down to dinner at home."
Maynard's wife, Paula, has also been involved in bringing a renewed atmosphere and attitude to Joe's Place, as have his daughter and son-in-law.
"We will continually update the menu to feature items which people like the most," Maynard said. "We want people to have the choices they want when they come here, not what we want them to have."
Starting next week, Barrett said, Joe's Place will once again be open on Sundays. It has been closed during the remodeling.