AMERICUS — Owner Sherwood Butts Jr. of Wood’s Swinging Wings has been owner of the business for the past 11 years. He decided to move to 1509-B E. Forsyth St. from U.S. Highway 19 because of its closeness, competition and convenience. Today will be two weeks since the business has been operating in its current location.

“It was a good business decision.” Butts Jr. said.

Butts said that he enjoys serving the public, and the fact that people love his food makes him confident in his business.

“I’ve opened five restaurants and one bar over the years. Three were here in Americus,” Butts said. He has also opened restaurants in Cordele and Macon County. Butts’ next plan is to open another restaurant outside of Americus.

“I decided this a few years ago,” Butts said, “but the timing was bad. This area is my base.” He said that he plans to open a bar and grill in Warner Robins next year.

Butts graduated from Alabama State University with a degree in business administration. Before he founded his own business, he worked for Corporate America Food Services in executive suite banquets at the Georgia Dome and Georgia World Congress Center. He managed and ran these services as department head.

“My advice to people that want to get started: Make sure you pray and research. Take care of your customers. Do the best you can do in taking care of your customers and making them happy and you won’t have to worry about any competition or anyone else trying to copy what you do. That’s what made me the best wing place in Georgia,” he said.

Wood’s Swinging Wings has down-sized, but Butts Jr. is offering the same menu.

Wood’s Swinging Wings has catered to local school and colleges since Butts’ tenure, and it still offers party trays and catering services.

“I’d like to thank all of my loyal customers that have made me successful through these tough times, when people are actually closing rather than opening businesses. I’ve found out that when you have loyal customers, the ones that are causing you to fail are not loyal. They are not the ones that cause you to prosper,” he said.

Butts is looking at the change in location as a way to re-invent his business. He said, “You have so many people that want you to fail or close down. But I’m still open. If you don’t have competition, you don’t know how good you are.”

Butts is married to Marry Butts. He and his wife have a daughter, Morgan Butts, and a son, Sherwood Butts III.

Woods Swinging Wings is open and offering take-out only services. The brand new, down-sized business is located beside Speedy Cash and Jackson Hewitt Tax Service.