BEAUMONT, Texas — As Beaumont city leaders slowly "chip away" at downtown revitalization with hopes of a river walk and hotel, one dream has become a reality. The Riverside Grille, a popular downtown Beaumont restaurant is celebrating its one year anniversary on October 30.
Many Southeast Texans view Riverside Grille's first year as a first step towards downtown development.
12News stopped by the restaurant and spoke with the owners, Jay Jenkinson and Allen Perkins, who say they have benefited from people who work and attend downtown events.
Riverside Grille, located on Crockett St., has experienced ups and downs due to skyrocketing prices for ingredients, but the owners say they are proof that having a successful business in downtown Beaumont is possible.
The owners say they took a risk by opening their restaurant in downtown, but it has paid off so far. They believe that if they can do it, anyone can.
From blue collar to office workers getting lunch or someone stopping to get a drink, the owners serve anywhere from 185 to 390 guests per day.
"We are very excited about the support we've received," said Perkins.
Officials with the restaurant say they did their homework before opening doors and found that thousands of people work and attend events in the area.
"I really believe that when there are events that are going on here, we feel the effects of them," said Jenkinson.
The owners are excited to cross the huge one-year milestone.
"It was a long time coming to open the restaurant and basically, we are very excited about the support we've received and it's growing and growing and growing," said one owner. "And we are excited to be in downtown Beaumont and opened a year."
Tyler Ellis, an ExxonMobil employee says he visits the restaurant every week.
"It's a really cozy place," said Ellis.
Ellis says supporting local business is the key to making sure the city thrives.
"We're always trying to grow and retain businesses, so it's always encouraging to support local businesses," he said.
However, Jenkinson and Perkins say that the cost of doing business can be rough.
"We buy ribeye and age it ourselves, but all of that changes on a daily basis," said Perkins. "The costs, the produce cost, but we have embraced those changes and have worked through it."
Nothing has stopped the owners and the community from taking pride in reaching such a huge milestone.
Recently, the Better Business Bureau and the Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce presented the restaurant with a seal and a ribbon cutting.
Jenkinson and Perkins are optimistic to see what could come next for downtown Beaumont.
"I think that the addition of a hotel and convention center complex would be good," said Jenkinson.
Perkins is excited about the new and upcoming Heresay restaurant that will be located in downtown Beaumont.
It will bring more people down here, and we will work with each other," said Perkins. "If there's too long a wait, hopefully they will come here and vice versa."
Perkins says they have also expanded their catering services to anywhere across the city and added delivery for to-go orders.
The owners hope that the community will continue to support local businesses in the city.
This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.