By Drew Sechler
dsechler@salisburypost.com
CLEVELAND ó If you’ve ridden down U.S. 70 west toward Cleveland lately, you’ve probably noticed the economic downturn that has a choke-hold on not just the country, but local businesses and companies also.
Billy Cranfield and Julie Webber, co-owners of the new Half Time Bar & Grill, hope to brighten the outlook for some local residents.
“I’m just trying to get someone a job,” Cranfield said. “A lot of people have lost their jobs.”
Cranfield is referring to the layoffs at the Freightliner plant in Cleveland and other job losses throughout the area.
The Half Time has a local flavor, with murals of West Rowan High School football and NASCAR on the walls.
Cranfield also owns Billy J. Cranfield Construction and was responsible for all the repairs and upgrades done to the grill.
The Half Time will serve a variety of foods, with the lunch menu including country-style cooking and hand-tossed pizzas. The dinner menu will include steak, shrimp, salmon and ribs, all at affordable prices, the owners say.
Cranfield understands the hardships many are going through these days and wants to keep his prices low enough so people can afford to come out and have a nice meal, he said.
Half Time also has five flat-screen televisions to entice sports enthusiasts to come out and watch a game while enjoying their food and drinks. Though it will sell alcohol, Cranfield said he wants to “keep it as a family restaurant.”
Webber knows the restaurant business. She previously worked at Danny’s Place in Rockwell.
“I’ve always wanted a place of my own, and I wanted a restaurant. This is what I’ve always wanted to do.” Webber said.
Half Time, which is located at 8850 Statesville Blvd., is scheduled to open Friday with music performed by Divided by Four starting at 7:30 pm.
Cranfield says all positions at the restaurant are filled at this point.
“We’re going to see what happens, I think we’re going to be fine. Were ready to go.” Cranfield said.
Half Time hours will be from 11 a.m. to midnight. For more information, call 704-278-1308.