BONS TEMPS ROULER! - 380Guide Magazine

JUST CALL HIM MOOSEFrom NFL Championship Winner to RestaurateurNorman Pearah grew up in the small town of Crossett, Arkansaswith good friend Barry Switzer; by the way, Barry is one year olderthan Norman is. During High School, he played football and securedhis life long nickname, Moose. The nickname comes as no surprisewhen you encounter this 6’6” giant of a man. However, do not let hisname and stature intimidate you he comes equipped with a smileand a fantastic story. A star athlete in his hometown he caught theattention of Oklahoma University who picked him up to play ball. Hecontinued to play Defensive End and drew continuous attention asan incredible football player. In 1959, after he finished his junior yearat OU he signed with the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles whiskedhim away to big city life but Philadelphia never felt like home to thissmall town boy. Even though he felt like a fish out of water, it did notdetour his game. During this time in football, the average player lastedonly three to four years. The game was rougher and they sportedless protective gear. The monetary compensation, while good for thetime was considerably less than players make today. While Moosemade out all right, many ball players had to take on second jobs tosupport their families for the love of the sport. He played for thefiveEagles from 1959 through 1963 winning the NFL Championship in1960. Yes, that was before they called it the Super bowl! The covetedring adorns his right ring finger and he wears it with pride. “I wasborn too early,” says Moose referring to the enormous salaries andcelebrity status of today’s players. He continued, “Both of my kneeshave been replaced and I broke every finger in both of my hands butif I had it to do all over again I would.” When he hung up his footballhelmet, he replaced it with another and became a racecar driver forChrysler Corporation. Being a smart man it did not take him long torealize that the financial gain was on the other side of the track noton it. He quickly purchased Harmon Raceway in Monroe, Louisianain 1969. That is where his passion for drag racing begins. Not longafter he purchased his first drag strip, he acquired tracks in La Place,Houma and Lake Charles, Louisiana. He owned and operated theCajun Nationals in Baton Rouge, Sports Nationals in Houston,Southern Nationals in Commerce, Georgia and Mid South Nationalsin Memphis. In 1991, he left the racetracks behind and decided tokick back for a while in Texas. Not use to having idle time Moosedecided to open Moose Motors in Lewisville to have something to do.Not surprising Moose Motors took off and several locations openedin Texas and Louisiana. Now called Texas Title Loans, the business isthriving. In 2001, he took on a partner, his oldest son, Todd Pearah,to help him run the business. Moose has five children and maintainsa close relationship with all of them. Moose and his stunning wifeand “best friend” Patrys purchased several acres in the 380 corridorand built their home in Cross Roads in 2000. They fashioned theirhome after the Louisiana Governor’s mansion where theyP A G E fiveregularly held their press conferences for the Cajun Nationals whenhe owned the track. Moose Ranch is the name of the property theyreside at and the name of his real-estate investment company. He has38 acres for development across from Fishtrap Road on Highway380 where he plans to release 13.2 treed acres to make available for12 office complexes. He plans to sell the additional 25 acres together.A major hotel chain and several box stores have shown considerableinterest in the property. He also holds 1.89 acres between Bubba B’sand the location that Prosper Bank will soon start construction onas well as the land on the west side of Bubba B’s. “I tried to retirebut I just keep so busy,” said Moose. Bubba B’s is his latest ventureand plans on opening five more in small towns across North Texas.This Cajun themed restaurant has gained instant popularity. Mooserevealed that he has considered using the available land on the Westside of Bubba B’s for a Sports Bar or possibly a Steak House. Mooseis a creative businessperson, adoring husband and supportive father.He is helpful, friendly and kind hearted. He is an active member ofCovenant Church where he donated the beautiful cross that adornsthe outside of the new sanctuary. He also donated several horses forchildren with disabilities to learn how to ride and interact with thesebeautiful animals. He has been a private pilot since the late 1950’sand enjoys flying on nice weather days. Moose loves to Deep SeaFish and his big fish tail is a reality! The 493 pound 13’ 6” Swordfishthat takes front and center at Bubba B’s was his prize while fishingin Cabo San Lucas. He caught this fish on February 22, 2004 aftera fight time of 3 hours and 52 minutes. So, next time you are inBubba B’s check outsurprised if you see awith his family andhelping if he is inbringing your platedoes just call himPhotography courtesy ofEB Photography & DesignBy Jodie Linton-Prickettthe sword fish and do not be6’6” man in there diningfriends. He might even bethere when it gets busy byto your table and if heMOOSE.