Thomas Michael Liner’s journey with Pioneer Restaurant in Archdale, NC, is more than just a business venture; it’s a deeply personal story woven with threads of family legacy, entrepreneurial spirit, and unwavering resilience. As the owner of Pioneer Family Restaurant, Liner recounts the fascinating history of this beloved local eatery, from its inception as a dream to its current status as a thriving community hub.
Liner’s connection to the restaurant industry began in his childhood. Growing up, his family owned a Freezette, an experience that sparked a lifelong ambition. “Opening a restaurant was a dream come true for me,” Liner explains. “When I was little my family owned a restaurant and I knew one day I wanted to open one.” This dream materialized in August 1987 when he and a partner established Pioneer Family Restaurant. After a few years, Liner became the sole owner, further cementing his commitment to this venture. However, his journey took an unexpected turn in 1997 when he decided to sell the restaurant.
Fate, however, had other plans for Pioneer Restaurant. Tragedy struck in 2003 when the restaurant was destroyed by a fire. It was rebuilt in the same location a year later, a testament to its significance in the community. Then, in July 2009, an opportunity arose that Liner hadn’t anticipated. He was approached to buy back Pioneer Restaurant. Initially hesitant, Liner recalls, “I originally had no intentions of buying it back.” The prospect of long hours and the challenges of the restaurant business seemed daunting. Yet, after careful consideration, driven by a sense of responsibility to preserve a local institution, Liner repurchased Pioneer Restaurant in August 2009. His decision was solidified by the previous owner’s earnest appeal, “You told me, ‘Before I ever closed the restaurant to come and see you,’ so here I am. I’m done.” Liner’s desire to prevent its closure ultimately led him back to the helm of Pioneer Restaurant Archdale Nc.
Securing funding for the original Pioneer Family Restaurant was a testament to both Liner’s vision and the power of personal connections. He shared his restaurant concept with a wealthy friend, laying out his plan. In an almost instantaneous show of faith, his friend agreed to invest. “I invested $10,000 of my money and he invested $10,000 of his money and the restaurant borrowed $100,000 from him,” Liner details. This initial capital injection, combined with a loan, provided the foundation for launching Pioneer Restaurant. The loans were later repaid with interest, marking the beginning of a successful, albeit challenging, entrepreneurial endeavor.
The early days of Pioneer Restaurant were not without their trials. Archdale in the late 1980s was a smaller town, and Main Street was a modest two-lane road. Soon after opening, a major road expansion project began, transforming Main Street into a five-lane thoroughfare. While ultimately beneficial, the construction period posed a significant threat to the fledgling business. “That was rough. It almost put us out of business,” Liner admits. The roadwork severely hampered access to the restaurant, deterring customers. In a move of strategic ingenuity, Liner introduced a $1.99 lunch buffet. Despite losing money on each sale, this initiative proved to be a lifeline. “It almost put us out of business but, when the road construction was finally done, it paid off,” he reflects. The buffet drew patrons in, allowing Pioneer Restaurant to cultivate relationships and establish a loyal customer base through “outstanding customer service and great quality food.”
Upon his return as owner in 2009, Liner focused on enhancing the Pioneer Restaurant experience. Significant changes were implemented, including a redesigned layout featuring a new salad bar to expedite service. Menu enhancements were also introduced, with a shift to USDA Certified Angus beef and revised buffet offerings. Remarkably, these quality improvements were paired with price reductions. Furthermore, Liner increased staff by approximately 25%, underscoring a renewed emphasis on customer satisfaction. “My focus is to make sure everyone who walks through our door has the best experience here,” Liner states, highlighting his commitment to hospitality.
These strategic adjustments have yielded impressive results. Pioneer Restaurant has experienced a remarkable 40% increase in sales compared to the previous year, serving an average of 2,000 more customers weekly. In a competitive dining landscape with numerous chain restaurants nearby, Pioneer Restaurant Archdale NC stands out as a preferred choice for locals and visitors alike. “People can go anywhere to eat… But, people choose to come here and that makes it worthwhile,” Liner acknowledges with gratitude.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Liner offers invaluable advice rooted in his own experiences. His key message transcends the pursuit of profit, emphasizing the importance of passion. “Do something you love and don’t do it for the money,” he advises. He cautions against solely chasing financial gain without genuine interest, noting that it leads to boredom and disillusionment. Instead, Liner advocates for pursuing ventures that ignite excitement and passion. “If it doesn’t excite you, you shouldn’t do it,” he concludes, encapsulating the essence of his entrepreneurial philosophy and the driving force behind the enduring success of Pioneer Restaurant Archdale NC.
