We were lucky to catch up with Braunda Smith recently and have shared our conversation below.

Braunda, appreciate you joining us today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

This idea came from what my husband and I like to call “bar university”, aka our previous job at a well-known bar chain. We really enjoyed the bar life and the service industry in general. In 2017, we, unfortunately, were put in the position to leave our jobs, and our 5-year plan was forced to morph into a 5-month necessity. Taking everything we were lucky to learn from there, it was decided that we would create our own business, which we thought was best to provide for our family and make something we were proud to create.

The idea took off, and it was time to get to work. Over the course of 6 months, we went through the motions of creating a brand-new business. Starting with a well-executed business plan, we crafted something worth taking to the Small Business Development Center, which looked over our plan before setting us up with a lender who approved us for an SBA loan. From there it was a go, obtaining all the proper permits, creating a brand, building and constructing to fit our preferred concept, and pushing through to make our bar what it is today.

Braunda, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My introduction to cooking came from the women in my family, especially my maw-maw. Some of my fondest childhood memories are of clutching her apron, watching and helping her create family recipes. Traveling in the military with my practice husband was also a huge learning opportunity, having the privilege of learning and experiencing different cooking styles and how food is used in different cultures. I put all of my attention after having my children into being a stay-at-home mom, but once they were old enough I was allowed to finally pursue my lifelong interest and create something that I knew my maw-maw would be proud of.

Something about my business that I think sets us apart from others in the bar industry is the concept we strive to uphold. Unlike establishments that are often deemed as “breastaurants” or large chain-style bars, we present a place where everyone can be comfortable hanging out. Our staff image is the approachable girl-next-door type, and I feel like that’s a very refreshing image to have for people who just want to hang out and have a beer.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Like most people in the service industry, Lucy Cooper’s Ice House took a major pivot during COVID. There were plenty of times during this worldwide hardship that we feared we would be forced to close our doors for good. Not to mention having to shut down and stay closed during the lockdown while still taking care of not only our family but our employees was a challenge.

During all of this, I became somewhat of an advocate for small businesses. I spoke out against the unfair pressures and limitations that were enforced against us, whereas big corporations were allowed to proceed with business as usual. While we were lucky enough to survive, a large number of small businesses cannot say the same. With the big chains making all the money, small businesses weren’t even given the fighting chance to keep up. I did what I could to bring these issues to light and encourage everyone to support local.

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

I happen to be blessed enough that my partner in business just so happens to also be my partner in life. We met by chance as coworkers in a bar not long after my divorce from my practice husband, and we clicked so well that we haven’t left each other’s side since! We couldn’t have created Lucy Cooper’s without each other. We’re the perfect business duo!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lucycoopers.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/braundasmith/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lucycooperstexasicehouse/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/braundasmith

Image Credits
Hayden Ensley