After 4 years of pop ups, farmers markets, and building connections though food, we are thrilled to share the next step on our culinary journey and our plan to open our debut restaurant, Mule Train.   Mule Train is expected to be located in Athens, GA where our families have a rich history, connection to the community, and strong relationships with farmers & purveyors.  We are kicking off our multipart fundrasing campaign to support the opening of the restaurant.

MULE TRAIN’S STORY    

We've decided to embark on this crowdfunding mission because it will allow us to build equity that is needed to acquire financing for Mule Train.  We also want to scale our business allowing us to take the next step in our careers through entrepreneurship.  

The concept for Mule Train is rooted in our desire to feed the community and inspire interest in Georgia foodways and culture, food education, and the importance of local farmers, crafters, and small businesses. We drew inspiration from our Aunt who personified Southern hospitality, serving neighbors from her Carlton, GA watering-hole.

The restaurant that we predict to build is designed to amplify Georgia's regional cuisine, will take an intentional approach to Southern cooking, highlighting some of the best ingredients that Georgia and the South has to offer. We want to create an environment that is warm and welcoming with an uplifting vibe. Mule Train is our blank canvas where we can express our visions and share our talents with you.

THE ASK

In 2022, we submitted our business plan to the bank, but without the 20% equity contribution of the total loan amount that we are raising here, the small business loan option is less likely to be approved.

Our goal is to raise $130,000, where $30,000 is to assist us with taxes/fees and the remainder $100,000 is our equity contribution towards our total capital  that we are seeking.  Our total that we are seeking from our banker is $400,000.

 HOW WE SAY THANKS

Over the course of the next 2 months, we will roll out a variety of ways for you to participate with us in reaching our goal.  As we introduce them, we will update them on our campaign page. 

Michael and Shyretha are honored to share this journey with their beloved community of fellow food enthusiasts. Their fundrasing campaign will offer a variety of thoughtful opportunities to be a part of Mule Train's beginning.

ABOUT THE CREATORS

I’m Michael Sheats, co-founder and chef of The Plate Sale. I started my career over 10 plus years ago working in some of the best restaurants in the Southeast.  I was born and raised in Athens ,GA.  After high school and a stint in college,  I decided attend Le Cordon Bleu School.  There I received my Culinary Arts degree and graduated in 2012.

I believe the work in hospitality will take you anywhere you want to go if you cultivate good relationships, work hard, and have a great attitude.

Shyretha Sheats, co-founder of TPS, is a self-proclaimed multi-disciplined professional.  You may know her from crafting cocktails and managing around restaurants and bars in Atlanta and the South.

Since stepping away from the corporate world in 2010 and focusing her work in hospitality, she discovered her connection to food through restaurants and farms,  the discovery of an affection for storytelling, and being a maker in the world.