Small Business Development Center at NMSU-Alamogordo

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Offering small business counseling, training and resource referrals to existing businesses, start ups, entrepreneurs and students. All assistance is confidential and free of charge.

Areas of expertise include business planning, research, financing options, accounting, marketing, sales and management.

Alamogordo's 2011 Client of the Year

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC), located at New Mexico State University-Alamogordo, has named Can't Stop Smokin' BBQ, LLC as its 2011 Client of the Year. Owners, Pete and Cassandra Schiavone were honored in a special ceremony at the State Capitol in February.

The foundation for Can’t Stop Smokin’ BBQ was conceived in 1991 at the deli counter of Frank’s Fruit Market in Ruidoso. Pete and Cassandra Schiavone dreamed of opening a quality food business to be operated by family and friends. In 2004, they opened their first restaurant in Ruidoso, holding onto the concept of a fast, casual, deli-style restaurant. After experiencing success in Ruidoso, they decided to franchise and bring Can’t Stop Smokin’s quality agenda to Alamogordo and other cities across the United States.

Pete Schiavone and Conrad Studor, Director of Franchise Development, first visited the Alamogordo SBDC in December of 2009 seeking information on the local economy and the feasibility of opening a location in Otero County. Little did they know that their relationship with the SBDC would be essential to their success, not only in Alamogordo, but with franchises in other locations. SBDC staff assisted the company with market research, business planning and SBA financing.

In August of 2010, Can’t Stop Smokin’ BBQ opened in Alamogordo, transforming a former ice cream operation into a remarkable cabin atmosphere. “We want to create an EXPERIENCE to every customer that comes to one of our restaurants; from the atmosphere to our incredible employees, while serving award winning, southwest-style BBQ at a great price.” The SBDC later referred the company to the New Mexico Procurement Technical Assistance Program to assist with expanding their operations to Holloman AFB. With support from the community and in honor of local military personnel, Pete and Cassandra opened a mobile kitchen at Holloman Air Force Base. The Schiavones now employ a total of 37 people.

Can’t Stop Smokin’ BBQ offers a fast and affordable BBQ experience to every customer. They cater to a wide variety of consumer needs; from the 30-minute lunch break to the large family meal on a budget. Their catering service can accommodate groups of people from 5 to 5000. They also offer take-out and delivery services. Their menu and information on franchising opportunities are available at www.cantstopsmokin.com.

The Schiavones are now working on obtaining SBA funding to assist with opening three more locations across New Mexico and Arizona. Future plans include franchises in California and Pennsylvania and a 200% increase in sales. The future looks incredibly bright for Can’t Stop Smokin’ BBQ.

Small Business Development Center
New Mexico State University-Alamogordo
2400 N. Scenic Drive
Alamogordo, NM 88310

(575) 439-3660
(575) 439-3819 (fax)
email: infosbdc@nmsua.nmsu.edu

SBDC STAFF:
Sierra Duran, Director
Mike Byrnes, Business Analyst
Kathleen Hodgkinson, Administrative Assistant

NM Procurement Technical Assistance Program (PTAP):
Elke Mosholder, Procurement Advisor
(575) 439-3823
email: elke.mosholder@sfcc.edu