We’re betting you know one, buy from one, or even run one: a family business. The café that grew up in a kitchen. The business that began in a barn. These beloved — often legendary — North Carolina businesses share a common, unbroken thread: They span three, four, five, and sometimes even six generations of the same family. To understand how remarkable that is, consider this statistic from the Center for Private Business at Wake Forest University: Less than one third of family businesses survive the transition from first to second generation. Another 50 percent don’t survive the transition from second to third.
Which makes the multigenerational businesses here in North Carolina — hundreds of them — even more impressive. This month, we show our appreciation for dozens of families, and their service shops, stores, factories, and farms that’ve made it to the third generation — and beyond.
1821 • Fishing Creek Farm • Whitakers
Known for gorgeous flowers, the eighth generation of this family farm was inspired by the property’s 600-tree orchard and started a small-batch cider house called L.L. Draughton’s Fishing Creek Cider.
2535 Red Hill Church Road • (252) 903-2100 • fishingcreekcider.com
Anderson (left) and Michael O’Brien brew hard cider. Photo courtesy of Fishing Creek Farm.
1830s • Homeland Creamery • Julian
The sixth and seventh generations of this farm-turned-dairy scoop ice cream (peach to coffee) at their creamery.
6506 Bowman Dairy Road • (336) 685-6455 • homelandcreamery.com
1858 • Salem Funerals • Winston-Salem
In the very building where A.C. Vogler sold his custom coffins and furniture, the sixth generation continues the trade.
120 South Main Street • (336) 722-6122 • salemfh.com
1865 • Briggs Hardware • Raleigh
Briggs Hardware is entwined with the history of North Carolina’s capital city. Now, six generations in, the store is taking on new meaning, and a new challenge, in a familiar place. Read more.
111 East Hargett Street No. 100 • (919) 802-5272 • briggshardwarestore.com
1831 • Washburn’s General Store • Bostic
Once a stagecoach stop, Washburn’s General Store in Rutherford County is where the locals ear lunch and orders come in from around the world.
2426 Bostic Sunshine Highway • (828) 245-4129 • washburnstore.com
1871 • Scarborough & Hargett Funeral Home • Durham
Started in Kinston, the company moved to Durham to serve the African-American community. The family has deep connections to black business leaders and a long-standing commitment to public service.
923 Old Fayetteville Street No. B • (919) 682-1171 • scarboroughandhargettfh.com
1875 • Tiger’s Store • Hayesville
First launched as a dry goods general store, the original owner in the Tiger family introduced meat, produce, and a livestock pen out back for bartering animals. Now, the fifth generation dishes ice cream at the adjacent soda fountain.
42 Herbert Street • (828) 389-6531
1880 • Shurtape Technologies • Hickory
It all began with a ball of string: From textile yarns, cordage, and twine, the company evolved to masking tape, and now produces FrogTape, among other brands.
1506 Highland Avenue Northeast • (888) 442-8273 • shurtape.com
1882 • J.E. Ladd & Sons Transfer • Durham
For the past 135 years, a man named J.E. Ladd has been helping Durhamites move. Owner J.E. Ladd V has kept the slogan: “We moved your antiques when they were new.”
113 North Benjamine Street • (919) 596-2469 • laddmoving.com
1889 • J.C. Steele & Sons • Statesville
With a patent in hand, an ambitious brickmaker started a business with his eldest son. Generations of grandsons later, the company is a global leader in extrusion.
710 South Mulberry Street • (704) 872-3681 • jcsteele.com
J.C. Steele rose from brickyard to boardroom. Photo courtesy of J.C. Steele & Sons.
1895 • The Biltmore Company • Asheville
Still run by descendants of George Vanderbilt, the company, which includes a hotel, spa, winery, home furnishings, and other enterprises, has grown to 2,400 employees.
1 Lodge Street • (800) 411-3812 • biltmore.com
1902 • PrintElect • New Bern
Most of the election ballots for NC, SC, and much of Virginia are printed by this fifth-generation business, which began as a printing and office supply store. The fourth-generation descendants of founder Owen G. Dunn have expanded the company nationwide.
3731 Trent Road • (252) 633-3197 • printelect.com
1909 • Wilkerson Funeral Home • Reidsville
After working in a furniture store that specialized in making caskets, William Henry Wilkerson pursued formal training in embalming.
1909 Richardson Drive • (336) 349-4341 • wilkersonfuneral.com
1911 • Tripp’s Tire Pros • Ayden
Caleb Tripp Sr. built a blacksmith shop in front of his home in 1889 to employ his six sons. But when a local doctor — the town’s first car owner — got a flat, a new business was born.
4187 East Avenue • (252) 746-3311 • trippstire.com
1917 • Neese’s Sausage • Greensboro
J.T. Neese’s special recipe is a staple at breakfast buffets and holiday parties. (Sausage balls, anyone?) Now in its 100th year, the company is managed by his grandson Tommy Neese.
1452 Alamance Church Road • (800) 632-1010 • neesesausage.com
1917 • Cheerwine • Salisbury
A sugar shortage inspired L.D. Peeler to try out cherry flavoring in his sodas. Now Peeler’s great-grandson is CEO, and “the nectar of NC” is a national treasure.
1413 Jake Alexander Boulevard South • (704) 637-5881 • cheerwine.com
Photo by Joey Seawell.
1934 • Lewis Oil • Sylva
Serving in the U.S. Air Force in Korea, T.C. Lewis was known as “Topcat,” a moniker that adorns the gas stations he founded with his father. As his full-service fuel company expanded west, Lewis was mayor of Sylva, too.
3275 U.S. Highway 441 South • (828) 586-2651 • tclewis.wixsite.com
1939 • Hayes Jewelers • Lexington
Shiny gems and fast cars: When Delmar Hayes combined his passions, his company became the longest-running sponsor of NASCAR and designer of their trophies.
903 Winston Road • (336) 248-6600 • hayesjewelers.com
1943 • Hoke Lumber • Davidson
Every day, founder Charles Hoke donned a black fedora to go to work, a style the fifth generation has yet to embrace. Still, Hoke’s knack for chatting up customers remains a family tradition.
347 Jetton Street • (704) 892-4841 • hokelumber.com
1946 • Mother Murphy’s Laboratories • Greensboro
This lab cooks up playful flavors for candies, sodas, baked goods — even beverages made specifically for soldiers. What began as a curious venture in a pharmacy’s back room now boasts a 93,000-square-foot distribution center.
2826 South Elm-Eugene Street • (336) 273-1737 • mothermurphys.com
Early 1900s • Schiffman’s Jewelers • Greensboro
Want a ring? A watch? A necklace? The Schiffman brothers will sell them to you. Want a chuckle? Try listening to the stories from a fourth-generation jewelry store that’s still doing some serious business.
225 South Elm Street • (336) 272-5146 • schiffmans.com
1882 • Moose Pharmacy • Mount Pleasant
When a crying infant needed a pacifier at 2 a.m., a mother thought nothing of calling Mr. Moose to ask him to open the store. That’s loyalty. This standby has been in the same downtown location since day one.
8374 West Franklin Street • (704) 436-9613 • moosepharmacy.com
1906 • Marsh Furniture • High Point
Modern kitchens are indebted to Julius Everett Marsh Sr., whose “kitchen safe” design evolved into built-in units with flour bins, iceboxes, and butcher tables.
1001 South Centennial Street • (336) 884-7363 • marshfurniture.com
Photo courtesy of Marsh Furniture.
1907 • Green & McClure Furniture • Graham
A minister who lost his voice and could no longer preach partnered with E.P. McClure to start a general store. Soon they were selling home goods, then furniture and coffins. E.P.’s son took over (after a stint as a minor league baseball player), and so it continued: fathers giving the keys to their sons.
118 North Main Street • (336) 226-2481 • greenandmcclure.com
1907 • Goodman Millwork • Salisbury
The Goodman brothers could repair or create the most intricate woodwork. By preserving the original 1920s steam engine that once powered the plant, their history is still present.
201 Lumber Street • (704) 633-2421 • goodmanmillwork.com
1910 • York Properties • Raleigh
York-built landmarks abound in the Triangle: Memorial Auditorium, NCSU’s bell tower, and Cameron Village. Their civic legacy is just as vital: J. Willie York helped desegregate public schools.
2108 Clark Avenue • (919) 821-1350 • yorkproperties.com
Photo courtesy of York Properties.
1915 • Bertie County Peanuts • Windsor
Grown in sandy soil near Albemarle Sound, the peanuts once roasted by “Papa Jack” Powell Sr. in his trusty popcorn popper are now sold nationwide.
217 U.S. Highway 13 North • (800) 457-0005 • pnuts.net
1917 • L. Gordon Iron and Metal • Statesville
A one-man business that started with a wagon full of scrap metal and rags is now a metal-recycling company that ships all over the world.
1300 Salisbury Road • (704) 873-9004 • gordoniron.com
1918 • Apex Nurseries • Apex
A brother and sister now run this wholesale operation started by their great-grandfather, who cultivated fruit trees and shrubs to sell.
2925 NC Highway 751 • (919) 362-8315
1919 • Beaver Brothers Inc. • Salisbury
As very early adopters of green energy, Clarence Sr. and Clifford Beaver worked on hot water heating systems. Clarence Jr. was an early proponent of solar energy, a passion passed down to the current generation, who install energy-efficient heating systems.
807 Corporate Circle • (704) 766-8889 • beaverbrosinc.com
1920 • Keever’s Key and Repair Service • Hickory
T.S. Keever knew that both nuts and locks are hard to crack. Perhaps that’s why he opened a locksmith business in the back room of his Hickory Nut Shop. Making keys and fixing locks soon took over, and today the company employs five locksmiths, including the state’s first female certified automotive locksmith.
1085 Third Avenue Drive Northwest • (828) 322-6096 • keeverkey.com
1921 • K.B. Johnson Oil and Gas • Fuquay-varina
Seeing Model Ts roaring through the Piedmont gave Kemp Johnson an idea: He started a business distributing fuel to country stores. Today, even airplanes fill their tanks from his company.
1709 North Main Street • (919) 552-5474 • kbjohnson.com
1925 • Smith Turf & Irrigation • Charlotte
While others used horse-drawn mowers, E.J. Smith tended turf with zippy red tractors. Today, his company keeps greens plush and fairways lovely in SC, TN, and VA, too.
4355 Golf Acres Drive • (704) 393-8873 • smithturf.com
1939 • Costner Funeral Home • Gastonia
Charles W. Costner Sr. recalled learning to make a coffin from his father under a red oak tree, soaking the wood to make it pliable. The memory became a business, now run by his grandsons.
2425 West Franklin Boulevard • (704) 864-6787 • costnerfuneralhome.com
1946 • Texas Pete (Garner Foods) • Winston-Salem
The original name, “Mexican Joe,” was quickly changed when Sam Garner declared that his family’s red pepper sauce needed an “American name.” Four generations later, the T.W. Garner Foods group sells condiments and sauces without the heat, too.
614 West Fourth Street • (336) 661-1550 • texaspete.com
Photo of Sam Garner courtesy of Garner Foods.
1955 • House of Raeford Farms • Rose Hill
The state’s largest chicken-frying pan is in Rose Hill for a reason: It’s home to the poultry empire started by Nash Johnson and his sons. At the annual Poultry Jubilee, you’ll find Johnson family members and birds aplenty.
3425 South U.S. Highway 117 • (910) 289-3191 • houseofraeford.com
1943 • Atlantic Beach Seafood & Fresh Market • Atlantic Beach
She worked at Atlantic Beach Seafood. His family owned the place. Now, Kamile and Chandler Willis are running the Carteret County institution where the shrimp is hand-packed, the oysters lead to stories, and one spouse (gasp!) doesn’t like seafood. Read more.
415 Atlantic Beach Causeway • (252) 247-2430 • atlanticbeachseafood.com
1880 • Glen Raven • Glen Raven
In the ’50s, the wife of this textile company’s president had an ingenious idea that led to the invention of pantyhose.
1831 North Park Avenue • (336) 227-6211 • glenraven.com
1890 • Thompson’s Store • Saluda
The oldest grocery store in the state also includes Ward’s Grill and an event space — affectionately named after Lola Thompson Ward, who ran the business well into her 90s.
24 East Main Street • (828) 749-2321 • thompsons-store.com
1908 • Hodges Farm • Charlotte
One of the last working farms in Charlotte (ownership dates back to 1869), Hodges moved away from the dairy business in favor of agritourism; they host school field trips, too.
3900 Rocky River Road East • (704) 608-8897 • hodgesfarmnc.com
Photo by Seth Snider Photography.
1908 • Stewart’s Jewelry Store • Washington
Civic pride more valuable than diamonds: Three generations of the family, including two owners, have served as mayors.
121 North Market Street • (252) 974-2611 • stewartsjewelrystore.com
1913 • Pfaff’s • Winston-Salem
Now a home design store, this glass-glazing shop opened the year that the towns of Winston and Salem merged.
1550 South Stratford Road • (336) 765-1260 • pfaffsinc.com
1915 • Baker Roofing Company • Raleigh
One of their divisions brings the company full circle: They help preserve historic buildings — from the same era when Baker was founded.
517 Mercury Street • (919) 828-2975 • bakerroofing.com
Photo by Tim Robison.
1916 • Kannon’s Clothing • Raleigh
Before founder and Lebanese immigrant Isaac Kannon officially opened his fine-clothing storefront, he peddled quality goods on foot and, later, by horse and buggy.
435 Daniels Street • (919) 366-6902 • kannonsclothing.com
1916 • Joe Sugar’s of St. Paul’s • St. Paul’s
In the mid-1800s, a third of the businesses in Robeson County were Jewish-owned, including men’s clothing store Joe Sugar’s. Today, it’s the last one remaining.
119 West Broad Street • (910) 865-5149 • joesugars.com
1917 • Capel Rugs • Troy
A. Leon Capel created the first-ever reversible braided yarn rug 100 years ago. Using raw materials from NC and locally sourced dyes, the rugs reflect the state.
831 North Main Street • (800) 334-3711 • capelrugs.com
1920 • B.E. Holbrooks • Stanfield
B.E. Holbrooks was a garage, a hardware store, and a grocery store before landing on plumbing and HVAC services.
204 West Stanly Street • (704) 888-2411 • beholbrooks.com
1920 • Holland Furniture • Henrietta
Owner Edwin Holland employs the fourth generation, and though they can’t exactly work there (yet), little fifth-gens are already underfoot.
177 North Main Street • (828) 657-6328 • hollandfurniturestore.com
1928 • Hickory Sheet Metal • Hickory
Workers here once needed brute strength: The first workshop was on the top floor of a downtown building, which meant all equipment had to be carried up a steep flight of stairs.
706 Highland Avenue Southeast • (828) 322-3720 • hickorysheetmetal.com
1928 • Clark s. Brown and Sons Funeral Home • Winston-Salem
Despite the name, the third-generation funeral director is actually founder Clark S. Brown Sr.’s granddaughter Carla.
727 Patterson Avenue • (336) 722-8117 • clarksbrownandsons.com
1929 • Quality Oil • Winston-Salem
To help launch Shell Oil, Quality Oil built eight shell-shaped gas stations; the only one that remains is on the National Register of Historic Places.
1540 Silas Creek Parkway • (336) 722-3441 • qualityoilnc.com
Photo by Jay Sinclair.
1934 • Carolina Foods • Charlotte
One of the first bakeries to perfect the honey bun, this company actually got its start as a sandwich business before expanding to sweets after World War II.
1807 South Tryon Street • (704) 333-9812 • carolinafoodsinc.com
1935 • Mills Manufacturing • Asheville
The start of the Korean War led to a large contract to manufacture military parachutes — and a devotion to making them ever since.
22 Mills Place • (828) 645-3061 • millsmanufacturing.com
1936 • Daniel Furniture & Electric • Mocksville
This company began selling appliances when the first rural electric lines were laid; in 2016 it was presented with a key to the city.
848 South Main Street • (336) 751-3975 • danielfurniturenc.com
1937 • K&W Cafeterias • Winston-salem
It wasn’t until 1951 — after a fire forced a renovation — that K&W debuted the cafeteria concept, which became so popular it was implemented in every location.
1391 Plaza West Road • (336) 852-1661 • kwcafeterias.biz
1937 • The Derby Restaurant • Mount Airy
Originally a roadside dive for sandwiches and beer, the owners built a new, modern building in 1947, along with the famous “hat,” which was intended to sell gas. When gas wasn’t profitable, they switched to ice cream.
1901 South Main Street • (336) 786-7082 • thederbyrestaurant.com
1937 • Ashworth’s Clothing • Fuquay-Varina
Steve Ashworth started working in the family’s men’s clothing store at 9 years old, standing on a telephone book to run the register. His father and uncle taught him the business — just as their father had taught them.
210 South Main Street • (919) 552-5201
Photo courtesy of Charles Harris.
1937 • Capitol Broadcasting • Raleigh
One radio station, WRAL-AM, launched by attorney A.J. Fletcher, has grown into a multi-media empire run by his son and now his grandson.
2619 Western Boulevard • (919) 890-6000 • capitolbroadcasting.com
1938 • Jackson’s Western Store • Asheville
Their love of horse ownership has expanded beyond transportation needs to all horse-related necessities.
641 Patton Avenue • (828) 254-1812 • jacksonwesternstore.com
1942 • Julian’s • Chapel Hill
Maurice Julian introduced his native New England style to Franklin Street. Meanwhile, his Southern wife, Mary, introduced him to the merits of bright colors: Together they created the classic Tar Heel preppy look — and a shop that keeps the style fresh.
135 East Franklin Street • (919) 942-4563 • julianstyle.com
1946 • Wayco Hams • Goldsboro
The Worrell family makes hams just like grandfather Waitus, the founder, did: salt-cured and dry-aged. George, the current president, says the company’s mission hasn’t changed, either: “to bring happiness to people gathered around a table.”
508 North William Street • (919) 735-3962 • waycohams.com
1946 • Hampton Farms • Severn
The leading roaster of in-shell peanuts in the U.S. — roasting some 100 million a year — began as a simple peanut-shelling company.
413 Main Street • (800) 642-4064 • hamptonfarms.com
1946 • Stephenson Millwork • Wilson
Russell Stephenson left his father’s lumber business to strike out on his own with a cabinetry shop located in a cow pasture, a far cry from today’s 100,000-square-foot factory.
210 Harper Street Northeast • (252) 237-1141 • stephensonmillwork.com
1949 • Hardin’s Furniture • Asheboro
What started in a small house on Kivett Street has transformed into a business that now includes moving customers into their new homes.
2404 North Fayetteville Street • (336) 672-0344 • hardinsfurniture.com
1949 • Barnhill Contracting • Rocky Mount
Using surplus military equipment and machinery purchased after WWII, the company quickly specialized in road and highway construction.
800 Tiffany Boulevard, Suite 200 • (252) 823-1021 • barnhillcontracting.com
Photo courtesy of Barnhill Contracting.
1952 • National Wholesale Co. • Lexington
Orphaned at age 8, Eddie Smith learned early on to value family and community. With the help of both, his direct-mail hosiery business has expanded to apparel — and 200 employees.
400 National Boulevard • (336) 248-5904 • shopnational.com
1958 • Ruggero Piano • Raleigh
Robert Ruggero learned to play the violin as a child in Torino, Italy. Music followed him to America, where he eventually started a piano service that is now the most complete piano store in the area.
4720 Hargrove Road, No. 120 • (919) 839-2040 • ruggeropiano.com
1959 • D.H. Griffin Companies • Greensboro
The founder’s first demo project was a dilapidated church. Young and newly married, Griffin reclaimed the lumber and nails to build himself a house.
4716 Hilltop Road • (336) 855-7030 • dhgriffin.com
1959 • El’s Drive-In • Morehead City
Carhops deliver burgers (beef or shrimp), dogs, shakes, and sides to picnic tables under the oaks. You may see three generations pitching in at this Crystal Coast landmark.
3706 Arendell Street • (252) 726-3002 • elsdrivein.com
1960 • Mrs. Hanes Moravian Cookies • Clemmons
The Sugar Crisps recipe goes back nine generations at this company that started in the kitchen of a small dairy farm.
4643 Friedberg Church Road • (336) 764-1402 • hanescookies.com
1963 • Atlantis Lodge • Pine Knoll Shores
This pet-friendly beach lodge nestled in the maritime forest was jointly designed by the owner, a former Raleigh city planner, and a modernist architect, and maintains its original ’60s flair with turquoise accents and wood paneling.
123 Salter Path Road • (252) 726-5168 • atlantislodge.com
1963 • McCullough Tile • Winston-Salem
Tiling is an art form these days, with backsplash mosaics and hand-painted tile surrounds. Mr. McCullough’s daughter and grandson help clients embrace the newest designs.
8101 North Point Boulevard • (336) 744-0660
1967 • Murray Nixon Fishery • Edenton
Humble beginnings — a pickup, a fridge, and fish from the Chowan River — turned into a national business and a fleet of 14 trucks.
1141 Nixon Fishery Road • (252) 221-4115 • nixonfishery.com
1969 • Autobell • Charlotte
Founded at a time when keeping your chrome fenders shiny was a top priority, now — more than 60 million car washes later — there are 78 stores throughout the Carolinas, Georgia, Virginia, and Maryland.
1521 East Third Street • (704) 527-1872 • autobell.com
1978 • Brookwood Farms BBQ • Siler City
No gas. No liquid smoke. Ever. Throughout North Carolina — even at RDU airport — this is a go-to for charcoal pit-cooked pork.
1015 Alston Bridge Road • (800) 472-4787 • brookwoodfarms.com
1983 • Mattamuskeet Seafood • Swan Quarter
The lake that shares this company’s name comes from the Algonquin word for “dry dust.” Tell that to the crabs and oysters processed here.
24694 U.S. Highway 264 • (252) 926-2431 • mattamuskeetseafood.com
2001 • Greenlands Farm & Store • Bolivia
What’s plucked from the fields and baked in the ovens of this sustainable homestead farm is sold in the shop. There’s a sanctuary for rescue animals, too.
668 Midway Road Southeast • (910) 253-7934 • greenlandsfarm.org
Read more here.
Patterson Farm • China Grove
Ingram Farm • High Point
The Berry Patch • Ellerbe
Cottle Farms • Faison
Vollmer Farm • Bunn
Lewis Nursery and Farms • Rocky Point
Holden Brothers Farm Market • Shallotte
Rudd Farm • Greensboro (featured on the cover of the May 2017 issue.)
Read more here.
1756 • Mount View Farm • Chapel Hill
Early 1800s • Sugarloaf Orchard • Taylorsville
1910 • Funston Farms • Winnabow
Mid-1700s • Adams Vineyards • Willow Spring
1861 • Lyon Farms • Creedmoor
1867 • BN Acres Farm • Lexington
1890 • Biltmore Estate • Asheville
Read more here.
1889 • Bernhardt • Lenoir
1947 • Century Furniture • Hickory
1960 • Hickory Furniture Mart • Hickory
CR Laine
Southern Furniture
Read more here.
1947 • Central Bakery • Asheboro
1946 • The Sweet Shoppe Bakery • High Point
1946 • Mickey’s Pastry Shop • Goldsboro
When it comes to spreading holiday cheer, the residents of this Chatham County town start early.
Our editor in chief shares a few treasured memories from her childhood home, a Christmas Eve night being one of the very first.
We took some, ahem, creative liberties when we combed through Our State’s archives to find a few favorite stories that carry the tune of a Christmas classic.
From decades-old family recipes to a centuries-old Carolina cookie, we’re filling our holiday tables with dishes that have stood the test of time.
