Woody's Bar-B-Q® Makes Much-Anticipated Return to Cocoa, Florida

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - June 4, 2019 - PRLog -- After opening its doors in 2014 in the former Corky Bell's Seafood Restaurant location, Woody's Bar-B-Q of Cocoa, Florida and its signature menu of slow-smoked meats and comfort food sides were immediately embraced by the Brevard County community. Unfortunately, a kitchen fire in May 2017 derailed the operation – forcing the restaurant's closure for nearly two years. Today, the classic Southern barbecue chain is pleased to announce that Woody's Bar-B-Q of Cocoa reopened its doors on June 3, 2019 under new ownership. At the helm is Brevard County entrepreneur and long-time Titusville resident, Hitesh Patel with General Manager, Kevin Dohoney, at his side.

Living out a lifelong entrepreneurial dream, Patel has owned half a dozen Del Taco locations throughout Brevard County, and currently owns several highly successful convenience stores, a hardware store and commercial real estate company. Never one to be accused of being idle, he also works as an agent for Reliance Insurance in Titusville, serves as a Board Member for the local YMCA and is a member of the Titusville Chamber of Commerce.

Desiring to own his own full-service restaurant, Patel was drawn to the Woody's Bar-B-Q franchise system. Attracted by the structure they provide, he was impressed by the people he met at the Corporate office and – most of all – by the quality of the food they offer their patrons. His personal favorite on the Woody's Bar-B-Q menu – their slow-smoked, flavorful and falling-off-the-bone Bar-B-Q Chicken.

"I've lived in Titusville since 1993, so Cocoa is in my backyard," explained Patel. "The Woody's Bar-B-Q brand has an excellent reputation and its former Cocoa location had a proven history of success. I feel extremely optimistic about our reception from Brevard County residents. My General Manager – Kevin – brings a great deal of foodservice experience to the table, including management of a Cheesecake Factory. And I plan to be in the restaurant virtually every day – overseeing the operation and getting to know our customers."

"Hitesh brings a lot of energy and enthusiasm to his role as Woody's Bar-B-Q franchisee," said Yolanda Mills-Mawman, President and COO of Woody's Bar-B-Q. "He has built an excellent team and plans to carry on the same history of success this location has witnessed in the past. Although, his solid track record as a business owner and his can-do attitude may help build a following that surpasses what we've witnessed here in the past. I know I speak for the entire Corporate Office when I say that Woody's Bar-B-Q is so happy to be back in Cocoa serving the good people of Brevard County!"

Located at 4885 North US Highway 1, Woody's Bar-B-Q of Cocoa is now open for business. Having applied for a liquor license, Patel hopes to have a full bar up and running in time for summer. The restaurant currently boasts an ample sized dining room, with seating enough for 153 hungry customers. To learn more about Woody's Bar-B-Q, view its list of locations and peruse the menu, please visit www.woodys.com.

About Woody's Bar-B-Q®: After opening their first Woody's Bar-B-Q (http://woodys.com/) in 1980, partners Woody Mills and Yolanda Mills-Mawman have spent nearly four decades setting the "bar" higher for classic Southern barbecue. From the humble beginnings of just one location in Jacksonville, Florida, a shared passion for barbecue, and a dog-eared collection of recipes, Mills and Mawman have grown the Woody's Bar-B-Q brand to locations reaching from the Deep South where barbecue is king to the Northeast and Midwestern fronts. Perhaps best known for their legendary melt-in-your-mouth slow-smoked Signature Baby Back Ribs, Woody's has also built quite a following among patrons with their secret recipe barbecue sauces and meats, as well as their freshly prepared comfort food-inspired side dishes. Individuals who wish to learn more about becoming a Woody's Bar-B-Q franchisee are encouraged to visit http://www.woodys.com/franchise/.