U.S. Marine veterans Ralph and Carrie Roeger wanted to create more than just a restaurant—they dreamed of a gathering place that honored the service and sacrifice of America’s veterans and first responders. That vision became Rally Point Grille, a thriving bar and grill in Woodstock, Georgia, where stories are shared, memories are honored and the community comes together.
From the very beginning, the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (UGA SBDC) has been a part of their journey. With guidance from consultants and access to capital, the Roegers transformed their idea into a successful business that continues to grow and make an impact.
The inspiration for Rally Point Grille struck unexpectedly during a trip to Las Vegas, when the Roegers visited the Leatherneck Club, a Marine-focused restaurant filled with memorabilia.
“When you walk inside, it’s like a Marine museum. Everyone made us feel welcome right away. We kept talking about that experience throughout our trip and thought, ‘There’s nothing like this near us. We should do it,’” said Carrie Roeger.
With determination, and no prior restaurant experience, they signed a lease just months later. In August 2015, they launched their first restaurant under the name Semper Fi Bar & Grille.
The Roegers’ relationship with the UGA SBDC began in April 2015, when a consultant walked them through financing options and connected them with the $150,000 in startup capital that made their opening possible.
“What was great about my original coach is that he did not steal our dream. He supported us, believed in us and got us connected with the capital we needed,” said Carrie.
Over the next decade, the Roegers met annually with their UGA SBDC consultant to review finances, plan next steps and evaluate opportunities. By 2022, their business had outgrown its original location and the couple decided to expand and rebrand as Rally Point Grille, honoring all military branches and first responders. The new space doubled their footprint and allowed them to serve even more of the community.
UGA SBDC consultant Joe Zirkel, based at Kennesaw State University, worked closely with the Roegers on financial analysis and projections to prepare for the expansion, offering assistance until their U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loan closed. The results were immediate: Rally Point Grille’s staff more than doubled from 32 to 72 employees, and sales grew by 27% between 2023 and 2024.
“The SBDC coaches have such valuable experience. They can see things that typical entrepreneurs don’t. Each one I’ve worked with brought a different background and skill set that helped move us forward,” said Carrie.
The Roegers also deepened their financial management skills through UGA SBDC training. After attending a workshop taught by UGA SBDC consultant Antonio Barrios, the Roegers identified and secured an SBA line of credit with favorable terms.
“It was an absolute lifesaver,” Carrie said. “That class opened my eyes to opportunities I didn’t know about, and it made all the difference.”
Their success has led to growth beyond Woodstock. In 2021, the Roegers franchised their first Rally Point Grille location in Evans, Georgia, to a veteran couple. In 2024, the Roegers opened a second company-owned location in Ellijay. They are also partnering with Let’s Chow, a nonprofit that empowers veterans to operate food trucks, creating a pathway for veteran entrepreneurs to build experience and eventually transition into brick-and-mortar ownership.
Recognition has followed. Ralph received the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s Veterans in Business Award in 2019, and Carrie was honored in 2023 with DAV’s Arthur H. and Mary E. Wilson Top Venture Impacting Veterans Award.
Still, for the Roegers, the most meaningful impact comes from the community they’ve built inside their restaurant. Walls lined with donated memorabilia give veterans and families a sense of ownership. Conversations at the bar foster connections, sometimes offering support to those struggling with PTSD or life after service.
“We’ve had veterans come in ready to give up, and just sitting down to talk has made a difference,” said Carrie. “For us, it’s always been less about running a restaurant and more about supporting a mission.”
Now entering their 11th year in business, the Roegers are exploring new opportunities, including building a commissary kitchen to support food trucks. Once again, they plan to turn to the UGA SBDC for guidance.
“Being a person who is self-motivated and driven, it’s often not easy to go ask for help. But I try to remember that the UGA SBDC is there to support me if I try something new, or need information or direction,” Carrie said.
Reflecting on their journey, Carrie credits the UGA SBDC with helping Rally Point Grille reach this milestone.
“They’re one of the best-kept secrets in Georgia—really, in the nation. We would not have celebrated our 10th anniversary this year if it weren’t for the SBDC helping us along the way.”
The UGA SBDC is funded through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
All SBDC services are provided in a nondiscriminatory way to all legal residents and citizens in the United States. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance.
The UGA SBDC is an accredited member of America’s SBDC.
The University of Georgia
Small Business Development Center
382 East Broad Street
Athens, GA 30602-5412
P: (706) 542-2762
