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Restaurateur Extends Gulf Coast Vibe Year-Round with Parasol
 The Challenge:
If you love ham biscuits, juicy burgers or roast beef stacked high and tender, you’re probably a fan of John Golon, owner of Danver’s Restaurant. Last year, Golon broadened his fan base to include land-locked beach lovers when he opened Sharky’s Gulf Grill at 6201 Poplar Ave. in Memphis.
“With Sharky’s Air flying overnight to deliver seafood the next day, this restaurant serves some of the freshest gulf fare in Memphis,” said Golon. “So, locals can satisfy their cravings for fresh gulf coast cuisine without the eight-hour drive.”
While the menu delighted customers from the first day, something was fishy with the space. The afternoon sun on the west-facing patio and even in the bar was blinding. John had used Parasol Awnings before to create shade for his Danver’s Restaurants, so he called them again.
The Solution:
Not long after Parasol addressed the sun issues with awnings, temperatures started to drop and the patio was no longer a hotspot.
“Many customers associate eating outside with being on vacation. They want to  capture that beachy feeling,” said Golon. “We’ve got seating for 26 people out there that we needed protected and heated, so it would attract people who want a mini vacation experience.”
Golon contacted several companies including Parasol to get bids on drop-down plastic to shield the outdoor space. Andrew Henning, account executive with Parasol Awnings, recommended an alternative product that involved installing plastic on a metal frame. Andrew was confident it was a superior solution because the materials and fabrication would result in a longer life for Golon’s investment.
Now that it’s installed, Golon obviously is pleased with his choice. He knows his solution will last several years. “We can put it up when it’s cool and take it down in the summer to store it. We can do it next year, and the year after that. This solution means our patio can be exactly the space we need it to be to generate income year-round.”
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