VALDOSTA — Being an entrepreneur isn’t always easy and everyone does it a little differently. Some open online stores, while others open brick-and-mortar storefronts.

Some go all in and invest their lives into a new venture, while others start a new business as something to do on the side. Regardless of the type, entrepreneurs help drive the local economy.

Sid Williams, owner Cuz’s Sports Bar and Grill, opened the business with a two other friends, Terry Wilks and David Edwards, in 2000 after a softball tournament.

Sid and his friends had been knocked out of the tournament and were drinking a few beers. They started talking about opening a bar and kept talking about it.

After everyone left, Sid kept thinking about the idea.

“When I got home I called ‘em all and asked if they really wanted to do it,” he said.

So the three looked around and found the old Jags Bar at, 4333 Bemiss Road Suite 7-9.

Sid contacted the owner of the building and rented it.

After the bar opened, two more of Sid’s friends joined in helping run the bar, he said. This brought the bar to five owners; however, all of owners aside from Sid backed out of owning the bar in the next few years for various reasons.

Terry was a teacher and his main shift was Saturday.

His son got a scholarship to play football at VSU and he had to bow out of the business to support son.

David’s mom and dad lived in Jacksonville and they weren’t doing well. He bowed out to go and help his mom and dad.

Mark Freeman and Jeff Davis, who joined into the business after it was started passed away shortly after getting involved with the business, Sid said.

So, since around 2003 Sid and his wife of 40 years, Patti Williams, have ran the business.

Patti now manages the accounting side of the business, but used to work the bar when it first opened, she said.

Sid is a self-proclaimed janitor and “everything under and above it,” he said.

While it has been Sid and Patti for 15 years, Sid quickly pointed out that his crew through out the years has been pivotal in the business’s success.

“There’s been so many that have come and gone — I’ve been so blessed to have the best crew you could get,” Sid said. “We couldn’t do it by ourselves.”

For new business owners, Sid recommenced being ready to fully commit to the business.

“If you are married prepared to get a divorce,” Sid joked. “If you’re not prepare to work seven days a week.”

Cuz’s Sports Bar and Grill, 4333 Bemiss Road Suite 7-9, is open 8 a.m.- 1:55 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m.- midnight Sunday.

Lunch opens around 11 a.m. throughout the week. For more information, call (229) 249-0800.

Jason Smith is a reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times. He can be contacted at 229-244-3400 ext.1257.