Driving Our Economy Forward: Bea’s Restaurant
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — It’s been a Chattanooga staple for 75 years. If you haven’t been to Bea’s to eat, you’re missing out. From the fried chicken to the peach cobbler, the restaurant pride’s itself on its southern cooking, served family style. It’s a fifth generation family owned business that has been serving up great food and kindness for decades. Take a look at this week’s, Driving Our Economy Forward.
“Well, Bea’s is a full service force and fifth generation and third generation still working here. Family owned business. We serve lazy Susan, family style, all you can eat, good southern cooking. We produce everything in-house. We love having people come through our door and serve them the best that we can,” said Dusty Bradshaw, 4th Generation Owner.
“Bea was middle aged when she started this place. So, if we count our founder then I’m the fourth generation. And then if we count the children, we’re already up to the fifth generation. And after 75 years we’re kind of generation forward but somehow. If you think in those 75 years, how many businesses, food service places just in Chattanooga have come and gone. And luckily, we’ve been fortunate enough to remain. It’s really humbling,” said Bradshaw.
“I graduated from UTC a couple weeks ago with a business degree. I could go off and move out of state, get a job somewhere, probably make more money. But it’s about being here. And like I said, being a part of a bigger community and just the history here. 75 years, the world has changed around us so much. Being able to be a part of this has been a blessing them, and I hope to carry it for like my grandfather has done, like my dad is doing. It’s my purpose in life. It’s more than just a business man. It’s a family,” said Trey Bradshaw, 5th Generation.
“I like coming in here because, you know, it gives me the purpose to walk in this door, put out a good meal every day, take care of these great people that walk in this door and make an impact on their life. And you know, you can go with any direction you want to. But at the end of the day, that’s what keeps me coming in here. You know that purpose. My great great grandmother had, you know, keep that going for as many years as we can,” said Ben Bradshaw, 5th Generation.
“This business means a lot to me. I’ve spent my lifetime here carrying on the things that my grandparents started in 1950. We still operate on the same principles, same foundation, same business models as we did in 1950. And we’ve made a lot of friends over the years. We’ve watched them grow up. Your children grow up, their grandchildren grow up, and now they’re great grandchildren coming in. So it means a lot. It’s been my life,” said Doug Bradshaw, 3rd Generation.
“Thanks for 75 years!”
