HOUSTON-African-AmericanNews& Issues presents Mr. Craig Presley of The Nickel Sandwich Grill.
Craig Presley is truly a product of the Fifth Ward community. He grew up watching his mother and grandmother operate a popular neighborhood Barbershop for over 60 years. He attended Phillis Wheatley High School and went on to graduate from Texas Southern University with a BS degree in Biology.
He applied and was accepted into the University of Texas Dental Program. Shortly before he was to begin, he was told that he would be required to take one more class to qualify. He remembered his main reason for going into Dentistry – to operate his own business.
He began to think of other ways that he could make his dreams come true on his own terms. He researched the options of owning some sort of franchised business to get started on his journey.
After being turned down several times he came across an advertisement for Blimpie Sandwich Franchises. They were seeking to give minorities, opportunities to start their own franchises throughout the country. He owned and operated a franchise for 2 years but soon grew frustrated with the concept of passing most of the company’s profits to its parent corporation.
In 1993, he took a position with the Houston Independent School District teaching Biology to at-risk students at the Contemporary Learning Center. It was here that he realized that too few kids aspire to own any kind of business because there aren’t many examples for them in their communities. They didn’t realize that as long as they were consumers and not providers or producers they could not “climb the economic ladder” with success. He became more determined to not only fulfill his dreams for himself but to be an example to others that it could be done!
After hitting many financial roadblocks he opened the doors of The Nickel Sandwich Grill in March of 2001 serving deli style sandwiches and salads. He cashed in his Teacher’s Retirement, received a Small Business Loan, and was blessed with family members who helped him tirelessly to make his business a success. He has met many challenges along the way. Any profits made were always invested back into the business which now boasts an “eclectic menu” featuring barbecue, seafood and its signature “Nickel Burger”.
The Nickel Sandwich Grill has been a part of the Fifth Ward Community for 12 years. Since its inception, the ‘Nickel’ has developed a loyal customer base which includes city and county employees, educators, local businesses and patrons as far away as the Woodlands, Texas. The ‘Nickel’ gives back to its community by sponsoring activities, supporting school and church organizations and hiring local youth – many of whom have gone on to graduate from college.
Craig and his staff look forward to serving the Fifth Ward and Greater Houston Area for many years to come! To taste and enjoy The Nickel Sandwich’s Grill delicious array of BBQ, Seafood and Chicken stop by 5601 Lyons Avenue (Lyons @ Lockwood Dr.); or phone ahead your order at: (713) 674 8020.
