GIGI – I was born in Atlanta and have lived in the metro area my entire life. I worked in the medical field for 14 years, then in pharmacy for 21 years. In 2001, I married Buddy and moved to Gwinnett county. In 2012, we moved to downtown Buford and I discovered that I was a real train nerd. I love living next to the tracks! In 2015, we built Bare Bones Steakhouse in the old Bona Allen Harness and Saddle Factory. In 2020 we bought the Shadburn Banking Building and moved Bare Bones into it on November 24, 2020.
BUDDY – I grew up in Lithonia and graduated from High School in 1956. I went to work in a grocery store when I was 13 years old. I started cutting meat in 1957 and worked for A&P where I stayed for 10 years. In 1969, I opened my own butcher shop and ran it until 2001. I married Gigi in 2001 and we traveled extensively, covering all 50 states, until 2012.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
We are a blended family of 4 children and 10 wonderful grandchildren, ranging in age from 5 to 27.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
We are in the process of building a Mexican restaurant next door to our steakhouse. We have had the pleasure of working with the Thigpens – the best general contractors you could ever hope for! Every step of the way, they have made everything smooth and seamless. They have really been a blessing to us. .
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Rico’s, Aqua Terra and Golden Buddha
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
10 years
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
GIGI – Shari Johnson- she restores old homes in downtown Buford that others would tear down. Her creativity inspires me.
BUDDY – Philip Beard- his vision and ability to get great things accomplished in Buford.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
GIGI – Antartica- I’ve always wanted to go.
BUDDY – Israel
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Gone With The Wind; Dallas
Q: What advice would you give to people?
GIGI – Get up and go do the next right thing.
BUDDY – Don’t give up on your dream. I had a dream for 40 years of opening a Steakhouse.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
We want to ride a train across Canada.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
GIGI – Elton John or Zach Williams
BUDDY – Any Southern Gospel group
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
GIGI – Anglin’s Drugs
BUDDY – We would have loved to see the leather industry when it was at it’s peak in Buford.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
GIGI – Mario LeMieux, because I love hockey and I think he is the GOAT, and we’d go to Bare Bones.
BUDDY – Dr. Mark Rutland or Congressman Rich McCormick because I think they are both brilliant, interesting men and we’d go to Fish Tails.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
GIGI – I love the “small town feel” of Buford. I hope we don’t lose that.
BUDDY – All the wonderful people I’ve met through Bare Bones.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
GIGI – I’m very happy here, so hopefully, I’ll still be around.
BUDDY – I hope Bare Bones and Off The Rails are still going strong in 10 years.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
GIGI – People have no idea how shy and boring I am.
BUDDY – I grew up in a house with no running water and was taught a strong work ethic.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
GIGI – Roche Harbor, San Juan Islands, WA. When I win the lottery, you’ll find me there.
BUDDY – Amsterdam
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
GIGI – December. Christmas. 10/21
BUDDY – May, 4th of July, 9/2
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
GIGI – Honest people and any time I get to hear Dr. Mark Rutland teach.
BUDDY – Attending hockey games and going to southern gospel concerts
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
GIGI – Our GM at Bare Bones, Andy Travelstead. He’s so good!
BUDDY – Gigi, my wonderful wife.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
GIGI – Alice’s gardenias and Shari’s tea olives.
BUDDY – Peppermint and hot apple pie!
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
GIGI – Retreat, relax, renew.
BUDDY – Security, living in a historic home, splitting wood
