Perlmutter Aids Expansion of Big Papa’s BBQ

Small Business Expanding and Thriving in Middle of Economic Downturn

January 5, 2010

Lakewood, CO – A cup of hard work, a dash of determination, a pinch of Congressional attention, and all the award-winning barbeque you can eat equals a recipe for success. That’s what Big Papa’s BBQ will announce when it kicks off the opening of its third location in Littleton.

In a year where it’s more common for a small business to close than open, Big Papa’s, a local award winning barbeque restaurant is adding a third store complete with a full bar and expanded menu, due to help from Congressman Ed Perlmutter’s office (CO-07). Big Papa’s owner and Perlmutter constituent Frank Alfonso and his business partner, Bill Cossoff, approached Perlmutter at a Government in the Grocery this summer because instead of building walls, they were running into walls with their planned expansion. They needed a small business loan to finish construction of their new location, but their bank pulled funding because it couldn’t provide a Small Business Administration-backed loan. The bank was caught between wanting to provide the loan to a successful business, but not being able to because of strict banking regulations preventing the loan. Perlmutter, a member of the House Financial Services Committee, worked with the gentlemen and helped them work with a different bank to secure a non-SBA backed loan to finish the construction and get the new store opened.

“These are exactly the kinds of small businesses our banks need to lend to and we need to foster and promote,” said Perlmutter. “They have a solid business plan, they are hiring 40 plus people in our community in addition to contractor work. Unfortunately, their situation isn’t unique, and I am working through my committee and with other members of the Colorado Congressional delegation, to get credit flowing to these small businesses so we can put people back to work and rebuild our economy. I am proud of the hard work and determination Frank and Bill have shown in building this solid business and am pleased to announce the grand opening of their new location.”

“This is an example of how the public and private sectors can work together to put people back to work and celebrate a successful business expansion in our neighborhood. We want to thank US Bank, our staff, the contractors, vendors and Congressman Perlmutter’s office for their help in making this a reality,” said Alfonso and Cossoff.