However, I felt that the article focused more on the current management of John’s than it did on the two people who have worked endless hours and have put their heart into making John’s what it is today.
John and Margaret White have made John’s the success that it is today by not only hard work, (my mother can do the work of three people) but by their true, selfless love for people, their generosity toward others and a humbleness that isn’t often found in today’s business world.
Countless times, I’ve heard my mother complimented on their success, and her response is always, “We are so grateful ... we’ve been very blessed.” Even when someone asks who grew the beautiful flowers that you’ll find at the cash register stand throughout the summer, she’ll respond, “God did.”
If you had the opportunity to speak with some of the customers who have been loyal to John’s over the years, you might hear things like, “Mrs. White used to rock my crying baby so that I could enjoy my dinner,” or “John entertained my kids and made them feel special ... That’s why we are eating at John’s,” or even comments like, “When my husband/wife was in the hospital, Mrs. White sent food to them at no charge.”
If you could speak with some of the former and current employees at John’s, you would learn why, even now, when my mom or dad walks through the kitchen, they are greeted with hugs and well wishes for all. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen my mother go out and purchase new tennis shoes for employees who were in need, and how often my dad came in with chocolates on a Friday night, just to make the staff feel special.
My parents retired earlier this year, but until that time, they both worked very hard to make John’s Barbecue the place that it is today. John’s isn’t the same without them there each day, but about once a week, you’ll find them enjoying dinner at John’s. And when they walk in the door, the atmosphere comes alive with the love that they’ve brought to it for nearly 27 years.
And to me, that speaks more highly of their success than having you know how many baked potatoes they serve in a weekend, or how much they have expanded the menu during the past 25 or so years.
They have never taken their success for granted. My mother often speaks of how much it means to her that people like Bud and Margaret Monroe, Jimmy and Pam McElreath, Gardner Barber, Robert Hayter, Mike McBrayer and countless others have been faithful customers and gave John’s a chance way back in the beginning when others didn’t.
Tthank you for letting me shed a little more personal light on how precious these two people have been to not only myself and my family, but to so many others through the years.
Luann Thomas lives in West End.
