Whole Hog Heaven BBQ

RECESSION REALITY:

September 21, 2009

As we were planning the opening of our small business we had many contingency plans but nothing can prepare you for a recession. We thought we'd be out of the woods after making it through our first year however, we are losing the battle. Trying to secure operating capital to continue running a small business is not easy - the stimulus and bail out plans have been handed out but banks are not loaning the money. In today's economy there are just too many forces working against us. Small businesses like ours are falling between the cracks and due to our size or infancy we don't qualify for various grants or loans. We have put as much on the line as we can but our fight is now over and it's impossible to have long term goals and continue to operate.

This note is hard for us to publish and we are sorry to let you down - we have met so many great people since we've opened. You have shown us that we do have a great product and we sincerely appreciate all your comments and support.

We will miss our loyal regulars - little Hunter who always brings his whole family to "Heavenly Hog"; or the gang at Valley Fair, so many people from the hospital, clinic and the Carver Co. Sheriff's department (Thanks for inventing the L.E.O.- it was a huge hit!) - you all have helped us to experience our dream and we thank you. But the hardest part most of all is to have to say goodbye to some excellent employees - it is so hard to find loyal, honest and diligent people these days but we have an amazing staff that has been invaluable to us and are like family.

Meanwhile, you can contact us via our website, we can still cater special events and sell our BBQ sauce, but we wanted you to hear this from us and get all the facts. After Oct 4th you can contact us at www.wholehogheaven.com.

Thank you for your support over the past 18 months.

Sincerely, Brian and Kathy O'Neil

Whole Hog Heaven BBQ - April 8, 2008 - October 4, 2009

Waconia