After opening its doors in 2014 in the former Corky Bell’s Seafood Restaurant location, Woody’s Bar-B-Q of Cocoa, Florida, and its signature menu of slow-smoked meats and comfort food sides were immediately embraced by the Brevard County community. Unfortunately, a kitchen fire in May 2017 derailed the operation—forcing the restaurant’s closure for nearly two years. Today, the classic Southern barbecue chain announced that Woody’s Bar-B-Q of Cocoa reopened its doors on June 3 under new ownership. At the helm is Brevard County entrepreneur and long-time Titusville resident, Hitesh Patel with General Manager, Kevin Dohoney, at his side.
Living out a lifelong entrepreneurial dream, Patel has owned half a dozen Del Taco locations throughout Brevard County, and currently owns several highly successful convenience stores, a hardware store and commercial real estate company. Never one to be accused of being idle, he also works as an agent for Reliance Insurance in Titusville, serves as a Board Member for the local YMCA and is a member of the Titusville Chamber of Commerce.
Desiring to own his own full-service restaurant, Patel was drawn to the Woody’s Bar-B-Q franchise system. Attracted by the structure they provide, he was impressed by the people he met at the Corporate office and —most of all —by the quality of the food they offer their patrons. His personal favorite on the Woody’s Bar-B-Q menu – their slow-smoked, flavorful and falling-off-the-bone Bar-B-Q Chicken.
“I’ve lived in Titusville since 1993, so Cocoa is in my backyard,” says Patel. “The Woody’s Bar-B-Q brand has an excellent reputation and its former Cocoa location had a proven history of success. I feel extremely optimistic about our reception from Brevard County residents. My General Manager—Kevin—brings a great deal of foodservice experience to the table, including management of a Cheesecake Factory. And I plan to be in the restaurant virtually every day—overseeing the operation and getting to know our customers.”
“Hitesh brings a lot of energy and enthusiasm to his role as Woody’s Bar-B-Q franchisee,” adds Yolanda Mills-Mawman, president and COO of Woody’s Bar-B-Q. “He has built an excellent team and plans to carry on the same history of success this location has witnessed in the past. Although, his solid track record as a business owner and his can-do attitude may help build a following that surpasses what we’ve witnessed here in the past. I know I speak for the entire Corporate Office when I say that Woody’s Bar-B-Q is so happy to be back in Cocoa serving the good people of Brevard County.”
Located at 4885 North US Highway 1, Woody’s Bar-B-Q of Cocoa is now open for business. Having applied for a liquor license, Patel hopes to have a full bar up and running in time for summer. The restaurant currently boasts an ample sized dining room, with seating enough for 153 hungry customers.
