When people hear the name Cave City, the small city’s famous watermelons and its annual watermelon festival spring to mind. But another name that is looking to make its mark on Cave City is Millie’s.
With a dream of opening their own restaurant, sisters-in-law Sarah Musick and Brooke Walling approached the Bank of Cave City in 2019.
The two passionate home cooks and Cave City residents wanted to start a full-service restaurant in the town they love. However, they needed a business plan and financial projections.
The bank referred the aspiring restaurateurs to the Arkansas State University ASBTDC. Working alongside the center’s Laura Miller, they received market research and assistance with a business plan narrative.
In addition, Miller assisted with financial projections that helped Musick and Walling secure a bank loan.
Unfortunately, the onslaught of the pandemic led to construction delays. But where there’s a will, there’s a way.
Millie’s, named in remembrance of Brooke’s late daughter, opened in March 2021, creating 28 jobs.
“Starting a business for the first time definitely had some unseen challenges and things we never thought about,” said Musick. “But before we got started and throughout this first year, ASBTDC continues to ask all the right questions and give all the insight and assistance to help us understand the business side of things.
“I wouldn’t have wanted to start without ASBTDC.”
Millie’s is located in the heart of Cave City on Main Street. The business also includes a gift shop and community event room.
The menu, described as a “taste of home,” is sure to establish Millie’s as a Cave City fixture for years to come.
“We want our restaurant to serve the community and visitors with our love for cooking and food, with our love for the community and people in general, as well as giving back whenever and where ever we can,” Musick said.
Find out more about Millie’s on its Facebook page.