Success Story

Betty Rose’s is all about barbeque and was named one of the Top 50 Barbeque Joints in Texas by Texas Monthly. “Abilene, Texas Betty Rose’s Little Brisket & Catfish Briskets generally don’t get prettier by closing time, so at 4 p.m. Betty Rose’s juicy, tender, well-marbled, mesquite-smoked brisket and meaty, black-pepper-rub-encrusted pork ribs were nice surprises, expertly held through the long, post-lunch slump…We helped ourselves to above-average macaroni salad, coleslaw, cornbread, and pintos. The sauce is sweet-sour and peppery, the banana pudding larruping good.” Betty Rose’s Little Brisket Restaurant is a 100% male owned business. Owner R. Kyle Johnson began working with the Abilene SBDC in 2005 to complete his business plan and financials for purchase of an existing business. The restaurant faced many challenges during the pandemic but remained open and functioning. He worked with Abilene SBDC in applying for the SBA disaster loans. He was granted both the Payment Protection Plan (PPP) and Emergency Disaster Loan (EIDL).  He used the Payment Protection Plan Loan of $194,000 to continue current employment levels and cover the eight-week period, as stipulated per the PPP requirements. The EIDL is used for working capital. He has also applied for the second round of PPP loans.