Today we’d like to introduce you to Roger Franklin.
Hi Roger, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
We moved to Missouri from Nebraska to rehabilitate a closed campground and put our personal touch on it. We came from Nebraska where we both operated businesses in the restoration and decorating industries. We found Big Rock in 2019 and it had been closed for several years. We got to work restoring and updating the existing structures and adding amenities. We have added a salt water swimming pool, glamping cabins, playground, event space for all types of celebrations, including weddings, reunions and parties of all kinds. We also host musical events and community gatherings. We have a fully equipped stage and large grass-covered viewing area. We are home to the Big Chill Bar & Grill, which has been serving the public for 5 years now. We believe the grill has become a staple for the community, as well as a destination for out-of-town guests. We believe the food draws everyone back!
We have completely updated the four larger fully-equipped cabins that sleep from 8 to 16, and added 4 glamping cabins that sleep 2 to 4. We have 8 RV sites, 23 primitive camping sites, 4 glamping tent sites and 3 group tent sites. The property is full of beautiful trees providing great shade for most all sites. It is a tranquil setting that has brought people back year after year. We are just one and one-half miles from the Cedar Grove put in on the beautiful spring-fed Current River. Over 700,000 people visit the river and float every year. Montauk State Park is a short 15 minute drive from Big Rock Candy Mountain and is also a huge draw for our area.
We believe we have brought Big Rock Candy Mountain to new heights and are gratefully getting big support from our community. We are blessed to have found new friends and great employees in this community. We couldn’t do what we love to do without them!
We feel like our goal in life has been to leave it better than we found it. That goes for not only houses, buildings and grounds, but friends and communities as well.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Upon purchasing the property, we have had to install a completely new engineered septic system which took quite some time and money to achieve. We have had to replace every roof, repaint every wall, replace flooring and replace all beds, linens, pots and pans, etc. The mice and bats love it here! Rodents of all kinds had to be eradicated, and we fight them to this day!
We had never run a restaurant before and have had many ups and downs getting it to be consistent and cost effective. It took time to get the right people in place and word of mouth to spread that it was worthy to drive 30 minutes to go to dinner! We are very remote and the river can be a deterrent when the water is high. We feel that the quality of food and service have continued to reach people through social media and word of mouth and we continue to grow.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
We owned and operated a cleaning and restoration company and home decorating business in Nebraska for 20 years before we decided to embark on this new adventure. We realized that all of the jobs we have held in the past have prepared us for this one. A campground and restaurant have needs for a lot of different skill sets from accounting, advertising, payroll, ordering, inventories, etc., to septic needs, housekeeping, constant repairs of a million varieties, HVAC, electrical, kitchen equipment, etc., etc. It is not for the faint of heart! We are very proud of the upgrades and the overall beauty we have been able to create on the property. We are known for having clean and inviting cabins and shower house and giving top-notch service and smiles to all that come in. Our policy is “good vibes only” It is also a safe and controlled environment which means a lot to families.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Travelling to Oregon to spend time with grandparents and relatives. I have always been an avid biker and spent a lot of time in nature and on adventures.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bigrockcandymt.com
- Instagram: bigrockcandymt
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571948345869
