IN
OUR
COMMUNITIES
photo by Dave Salvi
The Firehouse BBQ Johnson City, Tennessee
34
years ago, a younger Tom Seaton joined forces with a friend to start a small BBQ joint. Fast-forward: the admittedly wiser Seaton’s Zen-like disposition was forged throughout a journey of learning and experiences. Running the operation today with wife, Donna, and his two sons, Seaton likes what he’s established for patrons and employees. During the conversation, Seaton weaved people and character development into each of his successes, whether it’s the booming catering business, packed lunch and dinner crowds, the boatloads of regulars, or the necessary expansions to match demand. Seaton’s humility was in evidence as we discussed his Johnson City staple.
The restaurant’s converted firehouse reminds patrons of the past – but something else always reminds guests of the future: their staff members. As witnessed by this writer, most of the Firehouse BBQ staff has seen too few moons, but under Seaton’s guidance, you’d think these kids have been working the restaurant space for decades – and fine-dining quality service at that. The babyfaces were smiling, and they never failed an opportunity to help a customer. Oh, have we talked about food yet? Seaton describes his BBQ as a hybrid – this calculated operation dabbles (successfully) in Northeastern Tennessee and Carolina BBQ. Needless to say, Restaurant Inc enjoyed a bountiful lunch experience.