Brad and Brooke Shannon have begun to repurpose the former Grandma Ray’s restaurant and turn that space into a teen center.
“We’re hoping for a summer start,” said Brad.
Over the last year the Shannon’s have looked at buying a lot in the business park and building a teen center but when the restaurant became available, it turned out to be something they couldn’t turn down.
This past week, the Shannon’s were busy fixing up the former restaurant, cleaning and repairing items. But there is a lot to do before they can open the teen center doors, said Brad.
The North Point teen center will be available for middle school and high school kids, and it will be free of charge.
“It will be more than a teen center,” noted Brad. “We will offer support groups and have mentoring programs. We want to end hopelessness in teens, and hopefully, kids will learn to support each other.”
Brad is a former high school counselor and long time minister and he has witnessed the despair some kids face. Especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, which has isolated kids even more.
Broke said there would be drop-in times where kids will be able to play pool or foosball or whatever else the Shannon’s will acquire.
“We are keeping the bar, and we will serve cokes or some other kid drinks,” said Brooke.
As for the commercial kitchen, the Shannon’s plan to put it to good use. “Having the commercial kitchen will allow us to host events like prom or sports banquets or what have you,” Brad said. “It will also allow us to offer a chance to teach job skills to youth. “
Collaboration with other groups is something the Shannon’s also hope to achieve, but for now, there’s cleaning and fixing and making the necessary changes to become the North Point Teen Center.
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