BC Alum to Open Local Restaurant
What do you consider the greatest advantage of higher education? Should people go to college just to gain access to more employment opportunities or to earn more money? Should students take what they learn from academic programs and use it to better only themselves or their entire community?
“One of the things I am most passionate about is seeing the community prosper.” – C.J. Drake
C.J. Drake graduated from Bluefield College in 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in management and leadership. Now, he is applying what he learned as he prepares to open Drake’s Place, a restaurant dedicated to serving the local community.
“I am grateful for my education and time at Bluefield College,” Drake said. “Bluefield helped me grow in my knowledge of learning concepts and principles in the business world. Part of my vision for Drake’s Place is to be a business dedicated to making a difference. Future initiatives to achieve this will include a development program for those transitioning back to society and partnering with local charities and organizations.”
Drake’s alma mater, Bluefield College, is committed to developing servant leaders and upholding Christian values.
“For business majors, every class integrates the importance of Christian values,” said Dee Shoemaker, an adjunct instructor of business. “Students are challenged to view business beyond the bottom line. The relationships built between students and faculty truly lay the foundation for how students should connect with people in career settings.”
Drake also graduated from My Own Business Institute, a program sponsored by the Bluefield Economic Development Authority.
“The goal (of My Own Business Institute) is to help entrepreneurs and startups be successful,” said Jim Spencer, director of economic development in Bluefield, WV. “You could be the best plumber in the world and still fail at business because of other issues that go into successfully operating a business. There are many opportunities today, and I encourage students to be creative and look for opportunities to create a business. We can help them through the planning and implementation process.”
Spencer has assisted with the opening of Drake’s Place by providing resources and helping establish connections with other businesses, Drake shared.
“The State of West Virginia has done a great job of providing a smooth process online for new businesses,” Drake added. “I’m thankful and grateful for the relationships built with the City of Bluefield. Jim Spencer and others have been a great encouragement and help to me as I have begun this business.”
Drake has lived in Bluefield and the surrounding area for 15 years. He and his wife, Leighia, along with their two sons, Gordon and Heath, are active members of Parkview Baptist Church and the Bluefield community.
For 11 years, Drake was employed at Chick-fil-A, fulfilling the role of general manager for five years. Drake said this leadership position “painted a small picture of the processes of entrepreneurship.”
“C.J. was always focused and driven to go above and beyond expectations,” Shoemaker added. “He started taking college classes while still in high school and worked while completing his degree. It’s that kind of work ethic that ultimately determines success or failure.”
“Drake’s Place will be a quick-service restaurant specializing in different variations of American classic foods,” Drake said. “On the menu, you will find hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, and a variety of sides, including wedge fries and sweet potato fries. There will also be a variety of dessert options.
Drake’s Place will host a grand opening event on May 8, 2021. The restaurant will be located at 520 Federal St., Bluefield, WV 24701. You can connect with Drake’s Place on Facebook and Instagram.