Hot Rod Café, Serving Wings & More!
Roderick “Rod” Cornish dreamed of returning to his hometown, New London CT, and becoming an entrepreneur. An interesting transition from his career in the financial services industry after earning his MBA. However, Rod, knew to be a successful entrepreneur would require more education and experience. After leaving his corporate positions, he studied culinary arts at Grasso Tech School and became an apprentice at a few local restaurants. Then, in 2005, with what he felt was a solid footing, he opened Hot Rod Café’ on Bank Street, New London, CT.
True grit and determination are Rod’s best assets. After 5 strong years, he purchased a building on the Thames River and began expansion and renovations including an outdoor patio. Rod and Chef Carlos launched a promotion of their signature “wings”, including features on The Food Network, YouTube videos and an enhanced website. Nationally, the trend toward “wings” was growing and in Southeastern CT Hot Rod Café was being recognized as “the wing place”, said Rod.
2015-2018 were phenomenal for the business and the business was growing. Rod hired a local architect to create a closed in rooftop patio among other renovations. He also chose to celebrate the success with his employees, which included an all-expense paid trip to New Orleans. Rod believes “good leadership is showing gratitude to your team for their loyalty and hard work over the many years.” Early 2020, with the vacation in the rear-view mirror, the team began planning for a robust 2020 including large local festivities such as Sailfest and St. Patrick’s Day. “All arrows were pointing in the right direction for 2020, I couldn’t have predicted the COVID-19 pandemic and how it would change my business, force millions of other small businesses to shut down temporarily and pivot” stated Rod.
Hot Rod Café’ was forced to shut down for 3 weeks due to the State of Connecticut Emergency orders. During which time Rod says he heard rumblings about SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and quickly obtained the loan through Chelsea Bank. Rod’s first step was bringing back his employees then promptly pivoting to take-out and online orders. “We utilized a new app-based platform and next thing you know, boom we are back in business!" exclaimed Rod. "Curbside pick-up and generous customers with tips helped get our team through those difficult times.”
Rod knew that failure was never an option. When the first PPP ran out, Rod was able to apply for a second round of PPP and other grants. “I have nothing but good things to say about SBA,” stated Rod who has utilized the federal relief programs PPP, Economic Injury Disaster Loan, and the Restaurant Revitalization Fund grant.
Business is trending up, going well. If not for the SBA Cares Act funding Rod stated that he like many other businesses would have had to consider shutting down, “with the assistance/support of the SBA, I could see the light at the end of the tunnel.”
Now, Hot Rod Café’ is positioned well for 2022 as the corona virus restrictions subside. He and celebrity Chef Carlos continue to develop their wings recipes, think creatively, and lean on mentors for advice. Rod aims “to be the best food game in town and let our quality speaks for itself.”
Hot Rod Café, now in its 16th year, is well known for being an eclectic place for all people that enjoy wings, beer, and atmosphere. Rod continues to dream, including growing the business with a second location, “the entire Connecticut shoreline needs to taste these great wings!”