The recent announcement that Tom Jenkins’ Barbecue will permanently close its doors in December sent waves of emotion through members of the Eta Nu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Reactions ranged from shock and disbelief to deep remorse and reflection. I, too, found myself needing a moment to reconcile the news, fully appreciating that 39 years of sustained excellence—especially in an industry where nearly 90 percent of startups fail—is nothing short of remarkable. Lending institutions are often hesitant, even fearful, at the prospect of financing small, independent food ventures.