10/06/2021
It is with equal parts joy and sorrow that after 41 years of serving our friends in Kingsport, we have sold the property that has been the home of The Chicago Dough Company (1980 - 1990) and Rush Street Neighborhood Grill. Our last day of business will be Thursday, October 14th.
I first learned about the existence of Kingsport, Tennessee in June of 1979. My best friend and partner in two Chicago area pizza restaurants, had a family friend who lived here. He thought we might have an interest in opening a third Chicago Dough Company Pizza restaurant in a location on Stone Drive. We renovated the building and opened a year later. My brother, Jerry, had graduated from college in June 1980 and departed for a two-month trip to Europe. He returned from his trip and immediately loaded up his car and moved to Kingsport for his first real job. Jerry left us to attend The Culinary Institute of America in 1990. He graduated first in his class and became executive chef at a prestigious restaurant. In 1997 he returned to us and retired in October 2020. Jerry was a joy to work with and was the most vital component in our long-term success.
Four years after opening, Theresa and I moved to Kingsport. It was only supposed to be temporary, however we quickly fell in love with the area and its inhabitants who proclaimed us “very nice for Yankees.” My parents moved here, we raised our children here, and have made lifelong friends here. When asked where I am from, I proudly say Kingsport, Tennessee. We have no plans to leave Kingsport.
Our longevity would not have been possible without our loyal customers and dedicated team. To our many loyal customers that we see monthly, weekly, and daily, it has been a pleasure getting to know you and your families over the years. I genuinely appreciated your business. To our employees, our success was a result of your hard work and dedication. This past year and a half have been especially challenging and you have stepped up, covering extra shifts and dealing with uncertainty.
I want to express special thanks to Jan LeBlanc, Genena Williamson and Renee Cloyd for your loyalty and friendship. Without you, our doors would not have remained open.
Jan’s first day of work was September 6, 1980. She initially worked as a cook, server and ultimately, General Manager.
Genena Williamson was hired as a server on September 11, 1992, and was promoted to manager a few years later.
Renee Cloyd has been a server and bartender for 36 years (August 20, 1985). I will miss her greeting me every morning and discussing the bar gossip which was abundant.
