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Two years after opening their first Woody’s Bar-B-Q on University Boulevard in Jacksonville, co-founders Woody Mills and Yolanda Mills-Mawman opened their second River City location at 5930 Powers Avenue. More than 40 years later, both locations are still going strong with a solid fan base and a new owner at the helm of the Powers Avenue location. In 2013, seasoned restaurateur Jack Dunsmoor bought the well-loved location, and he has never looked back. As a matter of fact, his love of great BBQ and the success of that location fueled his decision to purchase Woody’s Bar-B-Q of Macclenny in 2017 and Woody’s Bar-B-Q of Cocoa in 2020.


Slow-Smoked Success

Before joining the Woody’s Bar-B-Q Franchise Family, Jack Dunsmoor spent all his working life in the restaurant business. Armed with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of South Carolina, he briefly considered joining the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department. However, the allure of the grill proved too strong. Rising from busser to concept development director, Jack spent nearly two decades with Quincy’s Steakhouse. He opened his first original concept – the Sandwich Factory in Spartanburg, South Carolina – in 1994. He then enjoyed successful stints with Firehouse Subs, Times Grill, Peterbrooke Chocolatier, and Bubba Burger Grill before his journey led him to Woody’s Bar-B-Q. 2023 marks his first decade with the classic Southern BBQ franchise. During the last ten years, he has demonstrated proficiency in buying successful locations and expanding their fan base. In 2021, his Jacksonville location boasted the Highest Year Over Year Sales Increase – with his Macclenny location receiving the Highest Sales in the Woody’s franchise system. In 2022, Jack was honored and humbled that his Macclenny location held onto its title of #1 in the system, with his Jacksonville location close behind with the second-highest sales.


Fabulous Food and Folks Make the Perfect Pairing

Jack credits much of his Jacksonville location’s success to a blend of great food, alluring features, and a dedicated staff. At the Powers Avenue Woody’s, Baby Back Ribs, Bar-B-Q Chicken, and Texas Beef Brisket are the uncontested favorites among guests, with slow-smoked Wings making a major comeback. Patrons with children also appreciate the restaurant’s Kids Eat Free Mondays – where kids ten and under get a free meal from the kids’ menu when an accompanying adult orders a dinner or entrée salad from the regular menu. Guests in a hurry love that the restaurant offers a drive-thru for picking up lunch for the office or dinner on the way home. And, when the weather is nice, you’ll find the outdoor patio bustling with hungry guests and buckets of ice-cold beer. The interior of Woody’s Bar-B-Q of Jacksonville at Powers Avenue received a nice refresh during the pandemic shutdowns for an even warmer and more welcoming atmosphere. But – according to Jack – what really enhances the dining experience is a staff that cares and works hard every day to ensure that their guests have a great time paired with a great meal. The restaurant is also committed to supporting the community that surrounds it. Jack and his team are proud of their involvement with the American Legion, VA, and local youth athletics. Woody’s Bar-B-Q of Jacksonville at Powers Avenue even hosts a blood drive every two months, facilitated by BloodOne.


Biggest Reward of This Business

Jack feels very blessed to have such a caring staff at Woody’s Bar-B-Q of Jacksonville at Powers Avenue – some of whom have been there for ten years or more. They strive to provide a quality experience – whether their guests dine in or pick up at the drive-thru. For him personally, the best part of his job comes from helping young people find success. All his managers rose through the ranks with a deep understanding of every aspect of the business.

Jack is happily married to Sally, and together, they have two adult children and two grandchildren. He is a proud member of C12 – a CEO group of Christian business owners.

“I’ve been in the restaurant business all my life,” said Jack. “I came to Jacksonville in 2001, and this is home for us. It’s a BBQ-loving town. We continue to look for ways to improve our business, serve our community, and give our staff members a career path for their futures.”

To stay up to date on events and specials at Woody’s Bar-B-Q of Jacksonville at Powers Avenue, be sure to like and follow their Facebook page. To place an order ahead of your visit, call (904) 683-7010 or visit the restaurant’s webpage at www.Woodys.com to order online or request delivery through Froogle.

 

KB 4/25/23