Daily Inspiration: Meet Emily & Kevin Purcell

Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily & Kevin Purcell.

Alright, thank you for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us how you got started?
The two of us were part of the original team that helped open Freeman’s back in 2015, contributing to menu ideas, the cocktail program, and just helping it get off the ground. After spending 7 years splitting our time between Freeman’s and Jake’s Billiards (same owners at the time) and working overtime through the pandemic. We took some time for ourselves and traveled the country, living out of our car, camping, and spending time with family and friends for roughly 4 months. After starting to settle down in Seattle, the previous owners gave us a call and offered to sell us Freeman’s. An opportunity too good to pass up, we drove back across the country one more time and started the transition process. After getting our amazing staff together and learning the ropes of owning a restaurant, we officially took ownership on March 1, 2022. Since then, we’ve made some tweaks here and there and put our spin on things, all while paying homage to the original concept.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As with all employees who worked through the pandemic, we found ourselves fortunate to have employment but ultimately burned out as the transition to the new (new) normal unfolded. Taking time to focus on ourselves, take a step back, and reevaluate what we were looking for not just from an employment standpoint but overall allowed us to bring a fresh mentality back to the business and staff.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
Together we have over 30 years of experience at every level of the restaurant industry. Having learned from coworkers, managers, and owners over those years, we have a conglomerate of ideas and information that guides us daily, from day-to-day office tasks to actively working behind the bar and on the line. We take a lot of pride in our staff and couldn’t be happier with the team we have cranking out food, including smoked meats and sandwiches, and drinks, including craft beer and specialty cocktails featuring our house-made, infused liquors.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
If you find someone willing to share what they’ve learned in a way that’s beneficial to you, don’t take that relationship for granted! We were fortunate enough to work under Josh and Jessie Kirkman, owners of Jake’s Pub & Billiards in Greensboro, for over a decade. The lessons we learned in both approach and execution have been invaluable.

Pricing:

• Sandwiches with side – avg $12
• Entree with side – avg $15
• Draft beer – avg $6
• Wine – avg $9/glass
• Specialty cocktails – avg $10

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freemansgrubandpub
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/freemansgrubandpub

Image Credits
Photos of food, drink, and exterior – Allen Martin Photos with people – Daniel White