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Small businesses have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic – perhaps none more than restaurants. This is especially true for the restaurateurs who had big plans to open new establishments in 2020, and in Oswego, Southern Fare’s owner Patrick Mitchell knows this pain all too well. “If you were not open at the beginning of the year, it’s really difficult to find assistance,” explains Mitchell about state or federal government funding, specifically the CARES Act. “Realistically, my only option was to figure out how to open.”

Bringing Southern Hospitality to Oswego

After finding a great location in the Litatro Building last year, Mitchell set out on the ambitious goal of bringing big-city restaurant quality – with Southern inspiration – to the heart of downtown Oswego. “We’re taking all these themes from the culinary South and putting our twist on them. We’re using some local ingredients and reimagining them to lighten them up and be relevant for today’s diners,” says Mitchell.

Officially opened on January 27, 2021, Southern Fare combines specialties like fried chicken, shrimp and grits, and brisket with a top-notch beverage program. Mitchell had originally set his sights on opening for Harborfest 2020 – then the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and plans had to change.

Overcoming New Obstacles and Shifting Plans

In March of 2020, Mitchell was in a precarious position with many unanswered questions as the pandemic worsened. Yet, when he touched base with his partners at Pathfinder Bank, Mitchell received the reassuring response that they were going to push through to make it happen.

“Having that support, being able to speak to CEO Thomas Schneider personally, and hearing him say, ‘If you want to make it happen, we’re going to be there with you to make it happen,’ – it was reassuring in a very difficult time,” explains Mitchell.

With help from Pathfinder Bank and construction bills starting to flow, the restaurateur soon realized he would have the support to think creatively and forge ahead. That’s when inspiration hit – in the form of a perfectly cooked brisket. Along with his executive chef, an avid barbecue smoker, Mitchell built out an entirely new concept called The Cue, which highlights Southern Fare’s barbecue offerings with COVID-safe online ordering and pick-up options. By shifting his vision to a temporary stepping stone of takeout-focused service, Mitchell was able to put the gears in motion to carry his vision through until Southern Fare could open.

Supported at Every Step of the Way

Through his strong partnership with Pathfinder Bank, this restaurateur was able to feel supported throughout a stressful process and felt the freedom to make his dream happen – despite challenging circumstances. Mitchell credits Pathfinder Bank with seeing his passion and vision from day one.

“Pathfinder Bank has been a great partner for me, and they’ve been there from the beginning,” recalls Mitchell. “From the start, I was able to talk to the right people, instead of being passed around and bumped around a few different times. There was no, ‘Well, you know, we’ll see,’ types of responses. It was always, ‘You show us what you’ve got, we’ll show you what we need, and we’re going to make it happen.’ And that’s what I’ll always appreciate about them.”

Contact Pathfinder Bank today for more information about support for small businesses in the Syracuse, New York, area.