Cockeye BBQ’s Hoovers: Overcoming ‘Bump in the Road’

Erik Hoover, owner of Cockeye BBQ and Creamery in Warren, is coming back strong, along with his son, Max. To learn more about Cockeye BBQ and Creamery, check out its website.

What are some ways your business is rebounding from the effects of COVID-19?

Back in March, we shut down immediately the day the governor issued the stay-at-home order. It was an easy decision for us because we weren’t sure the direction the pandemic was headed, and our team is our family. Frankly, health and safety was our first priority. 

After about eight weeks, we realized that being together was also part of what makes Cockeye BBQ the kind of place where people gather. In order to stay safe and still bring people together, we had to be extremely flexible and creative in encouraging our staff and customers to enjoy dining out again. We invested in health and safety protocols, upgraded our outdoor dining area, modernized our online ordering system to make it more efficient and recently reopened our dining room. Every day we work to make the Cockeye experience better while anticipating supply chain interruptions and new, sometimes conflicting mandates. We truly have learned to bend, flow and be flexible.

What’s been the reaction from customers so far?

The Cockeye Army (as we lovingly call our customers) are some of the greatest, most thoughtful people we have ever met. Like us, they are trying every day to do the best they can in an ever-changing environment. Unfortunately, we have discovered that not everyone is in agreement or on the same page regarding the pandemic. The challenge is learning to operate in the guidelines while keeping all of our customers comfortable. I think our customers appreciate our attention to detail and understand the complications that can come with a small, family-run business.

What impact has the outbreak had on you personally?

The biggest impact the pandemic has had on me personally is not being able to spend a lot of time with our customers. With the increase in carryout business and outdoor dining, there are less people in the dining room and less time to catch up with old and new friends. Nothing brings me greater joy than talking with a customer who has enjoyed their meal and sharing stories. I miss the after-hours laughs and the life stories that build our communities. I also really miss stopping in and spending time with other restaurant and brewery operators. I hope we can all get back together soon.

What advice are you sharing with the people you love?

Life is challenging, but this is just another bump in the road. Opening Cockeye BBQ and Creamery was tricky. Running a business during a pandemic is tricky. Protecting our family and staff is tricky. But, in the end…this, too, shall pass.