Former China Buffet transforms into sports grill

Lynne Lynch/Columbia Basin HeraldCory Goodwin, co-owner of Southpaws Sports Grill in Moses Lake, paints the inside of the business on Friday. A fire sprinkler system must be installed before the business can open, he said.

by Lynne Lynch<br>Herald Staff Writer
| September 12, 2008 9:00 PM

'Southpaws' owners both 'southpaws'

MOSES LAKE - A Moses Lake couple is leasing the former China Buffet restaurant building with plans of transforming it into a sports grill complete with high-definition TVs.

Cory and Gail Goodwin are working to open Southpaws Sports Grill as soon as possible on Moses Lake's South Pioneer Way, Cory said.

On Friday, Cory was painting the walls a deep forest green. He said more painting remains as well as building a bar, finishing the office and cleaning the kitchen.

After a month of work, they expected to open the business last weekend, but learned a fire sprinkler system needed to be installed to meet occupancy and square-footage requirements, Cory said.

He said he isn't sure of an opening date because it depends on when people are available to install the system.

"We're eager to get the doors open," Cory said.

The sports themed business name Southpaws was born from brainstorming sessions and their personal traits. Cory and Gail are southpaws, meaning they are left-handed. Their mothers are southpaws too.

Cory said opening a restaurant is something they both always wanted to do.

Although they've never operated a restaurant, he managed an Oregon bar where he worked as a bartender 20 years ago. He also said he liked the idea of being his own boss instead of having one.

Cory used to work for a large manufacturing company in Moses Lake, but is now handling Southpaws full time. Gail will stay employed as program director of Grant County Developmental Disabilities.

Gail commented about the large amount of community support they've received in their venture.

Gail also mentioned what a great resource Big Bend Community College's Small Business Development Center was for them. The center offers free help to current and future small businesses in many areas of small business management.

People are excited to hear about something new coming into town, Cory said.

They decided they wanted to create an atmosphere where the food is good and people can have fun participating in fantasy football and also bring their kids along, she said.

She connects with people seeking a family atmosphere and recalls traveling to other towns with her children's sports team. It was sometimes a challenge to find the right restaurant to accommodate a large group of boys, she said.

When their business opens, they plan to serve gourmet sandwiches and burgers, Gail said.

They've also made a commitment to do things locally and baked potatoes will always be on the menu, she said. The couple has also talked to several local wineries about offering wine tasting at the restaurant.

They will be listed on Washington State University's alumni Web site as an alumni location and will eventually sign up for other groups, which should generate some events, said Gail, a WSU alum.

Cory said he wants to make an effort to attract tourists connected to sports tournaments and water activities with Moses Lake

Ten or more HD TVs and one giant screen will be placed throughout the restaurant and there are plans to add video games and dart boards, he said.

Between six to eight employees will likely be hired, which will include servers, bartenders and cooks.

Cory said there are still remnants of China Buffet's equipment left in the building with buffet bars, commercial woks, a Mongolian grill and a rice cooker for sale.

For more information, call 509-764-8114.