LOUISVILLE, Ky. — As the rich smells of smoked and tender meat fill the air in Taylorsville, it's clear CG's Smokehouse is open for business. Tom Ficher is the owner of this new BBQ restaurant that opened right before the pandemic changed the near future of his business, but this Memorial Day weekend, he's ready to provide for the public.
"The reopening has been a little crazy," Fisher said. "If I can survive this, I think I've got it in me to survive anything."
Now serving up delicious American classics, he once served this country by putting his life on the line to protect it. This veteran now gets to pursue his love for barbecue, but other's once beside him weren't as lucky. This weekend in particular gives Tom a chance to honor them.
"I guess you could say I go through a remembrance every year of all the brothers and sisters that I've been in battle with," Fisher said
With a plan to have a wall of veterans and a fallen soldier table at his new restaurant, he says he also makes sure to take moments of silence.
"I've lost several battle buddies and stuff through the years and it's basically my way of honoring them and their memories," Fisher said.
And Jeremy Harrell, the founder of the veterans club, says it's all about taking a step back, and being grateful for those who lost their lives to protect yours.
"A little thought, a little prayer, a little meditation. Whatever it is that you're comfortable with just do that in remembrance of those who perished to make that happened," Harrell said.
Especially during this pandemic, where people are appreciating the small things now more than ever, Tom and Jeremy both say it's more crucial this year, to be thankful for your freedoms.
"If they didn't go serve in this hospital, if they didn't go serve on the streets to protect us and our way of life, what would that look like?" Harrell said.
Even if that freedom is sitting at a restaurant like CG's smokehouse for the first time in a few months.
If you'd like to check out their website click here or their Facebook page click here. You can contact Tom at the restaurant for ways to support local veterans in need.
►Contact reporter Jessie Cohen at JCohen@whas11.com and follow her on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.