The District Chronicles

Issue date: 10/12/08 Section: Business

Media Credit: Robert Eubanks/Staff Photographer

Keith Nesbitt spends a lot of time near fire. Most of the week he serves as a District firefighter with Fire Engine No. 2 in Chinatown. When he's not out saving lives, then he's cooking something up for his coworkers in the firehouse. But four months ago, Nesbitt put his culinary firehouse skills to the test by opening his very own carry-out restaurant, Big Fish.

"I've been looking for something to fall back on after I retire ... and it's [the restaurant] always been a dream of mine," said Nesbitt. "I cook a lot at the firehouse so I said, 'let me try my hand at this.' So far it's been good."

Big Fish has been open since October and already has a small fan base. On its first day of business alone, Big Fish ran out of its most important asset - food.

"We weren't prepared with the amount of food people were getting," Nesbitt said. "And the response continued into the next day."

Big Fish's success comes as a result of teamwork. Nesbitt runs the business with his brother, Jeffrey, while his mother, Monica Lester, and his aunt, affectionately known as "Ms. Anne," help with the food preparation.

"I wanted to make sure it would be profitable," he said of his restaurant's ideal location. "If there had been 20 other eating establishments in the area, then that would not have been economically feasible. I had to make sure that there was a need for it in the community."

Big Fish is one of the few eateries, and is also one of the only black-owned businesses, in its area which has helped bring in customers, especially senior citizens who want to travel shorter distances for quality service.

"They want more minority participation in the community," said Nesbitt. "That's why they came out in such huge numbers on the first day - there's just not a lot of quality service and black businesses around."

With all the success Big Fish has garnered in its first four months, Nesbitt has never thought to close up shop - even with his already demanding career as a fireman.

"There's a lot of red tape to get through when opening a business, so it's hard to get the permits and licenses and everything," said Nesbitt. "But I deal with life and death every day, so Big Fish is not as much pressure. I guess being a firefighter makes it easier for me."

For those who don't have the tough skin that Nesbitt's career demands, he recommends research, perseverance and passion.

"Make sure it's something you really want to do," he said. "People recognize the type of establishment that is passionate."

Although having to work on the weekends brings a small frown to his face, he thoroughly enjoys the freedom of owning his own business.

"I can be my own boss. I make decisions for myself without worrying about good or bad repercussions from a boss," he said.

The Big Fish staff has learned to be accommodating to its customers: when the weather is cool, Big Fish serves chili or chicken soup. For students who migrate from area schools, there's chicken tenders.

"Oftentimes, our customers go to places that are not clean, the food is poor and the service is terrible," said Nesbitt. "… I treat people the way I want to be treated ... it's important. And as time goes on, we'll just get better and better."

Address: 2721 7th Street NE Washington, DC
Phone: (202) 269-1590

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