Food is a family tradition for Dwayne Brown of Jonesville.
He used to own Dwayne’s on Bridge Street. He’s now opened up Dwayne’s on Bridge Street.
He explains.
“It was right up the street where Matty’s is at. I had made some bad business decisions in the restaurant business a long time ago. I eventually had to sell the place to my brother,” said Brown.
“I opened up in Yadkinville and was there for three years until 2007, but the Dollar General burnt down and put me out of business,” he said.
Brown said that through all the complexities of life and the turbulence that comes from situations that he couldn’t control, it was good for him to take a break. Eventually, he got the itch to get back in it.
“This is my last rodeo. I am 52 years old, and this time I have no debt,” he said. “I don’t owe a dime except for fixed expenses in this joint. I am at the point in life that I am not going to sweat in business. I have a packaging business that we place our barbecue items into stores, but this restaurant is where I’m 100 percent going to stay, and you can take that to the bank.”
Born and raised in Jonesville, Brown is a graduate from Starmount High School. He revealed that he had to start working at the age of 15 to help make ends meet. Brown is the son of David Brown and Betty Key.
“I went to work at John Boys. I stayed there until I was 19-years-old. I married my wife, had two kids, Eddie and Candice, now of Dobson. The kids know the business.”
Brown says his passion is his desire to see people happy.
“I design the menu, pulled in great friends to help me with some remodeling. Everything this time is coming together,” he said.
Dwayne’s is a full cafeteria-style restaurant specializing in its evening dinner. Hosts at the door help keep customers flowing, servers provide everything else, he said.
Kristian Church of Elkin has been helping Brown since she was 14-years old.
“I am very excited, and I was with him for the opening in Yadkinville,” said Church, who was on her way to another store to buy some bleach. “I have never seen such a smooth opening like what we’re preparing for.”
“I got a bit of stress when I started taking applications, but 85 percent of my employees who know me returned,” said Brown.
It’s all about the niche, though. When Brown flew the sign of a potential opening on the building, he said tears came to his eyes.
“It’s a great moment. If I make money or not, not important. When you come in and get as fresh of a product from us and are happy, that’s what makes me happy,” said Brown.
Reach Anthony Gonzalez at 336-835-1513 or email at agonzalez@civitasmedia.com.


















