Located at 1482 South 6th Street just off I-10, Woody’s Bar-B-Q of Macclenny is so much more than just a restaurant with a cheery yellow exterior. It’s a labor of love for owner, industry veteran and multi-unit franchisee, Jack Dunsmoor. Opened in 2003 by Fred Rhoden, Jack purchased the Baker County location in 2017 and has been building a steady following among the locals ever since. Situated in a city that boasts a tight-knit community and small-town vibe, Woody’s Bar-B-Q of Macclenny won the honor of Highest Sales in its franchise system, beating out 14 other locations in Florida and Pennsylvania. Jack gives all the credit to his loyal patrons and dedicated staff.
Not So Humble Beginnings
Jack has been in the restaurant business all his working life. After graduating from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, he briefly considered joining the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department. But the pull from the hospitality industry was too strong. Having worked for Quincy’s Family Steakhouse for 19 years – rising from busser to concept development director, what he loves most about his chosen career path is giving opportunities to young people and watching them grow in their craft. He opened his first restaurant – the Sandwich Factory in Spartanburg, South Carolina – in 1994. After successful stints with Firehouse Subs, Times Grill, Peterbrooke Chocolatier and Bubba Burger Grill, his journey led him to Woody’s Bar-B-Q. When asked why, he replies without hesitation, “Because I love great BBQ!”
Most Popular Dishes
Among Jack’s personal favorite items on the Woody’s menu are the Texas Beef Brisket, Smoked Turkey, Bar-B-Q Beans and Creamy Cole Slaw. Macclenny patrons share his fondness for the Brisket, but the Carolina Pulled Pork and Signature Baby Back Ribs are his best-selling dishes. Although, he points out that the diversity of their menu – which includes grilled chicken, grilled salmon, a variety of salads and wraps – means there’s something to satisfy just about any palate.
Claims to Fame
In addition to excellent food, Woody’s Bar-B-Q of Macclenny boasts a full bar, drive-thru, delivery, online ordering, catering, newly renovated interior and a couple of weekly events that are HUGE hits with his customer base. Trivia Night Tuesdays are hosted from 6-9 p.m. – drawing big crowds hungry for a friendly competition. His Kids Eat Free Mondays are also extremely popular, offering face painting, balloons AND a free meal from the kids’ menu for kids ten and under when an accompanying adult orders a meal from the regular menu. Jack strives to create a family-friendly environment.
Community Mindset
Each October, Jack’s restaurant hosts a trunk-or-treat event. The first year drew 100 kids. Today, it draws more than 600. Woody’s Bar-B-Q of Macclenny is also involved with the local schools and sponsors the football and soccer teams for Baker County High School (GO WILDCATS!) The restaurant also supports the local Meals on Wheels program for the elderly and hosts blood drives once a quarter with Blood One – offering a free lunch for people who donate blood.
“Giving back is what we should all be doing while we’re on this Earth,” said Jack. “What I’ve witnessed all these years in business is that the more you give back to the community, the more it will give back to you.”
Staff is Key to Success
According to Jack, what really sets his restaurant apart is his incredible staff – many of which are long-term employees. Following a similar path to his own, team member Brittany Bradford has been at Woody’s Bar-B-Q of Macclenny for seven years, growing from an hourly server to General Manager. From dishwasher to head cook to manager, everyone on Macclenny’s staff is committed to creating a great guest experience. Jack even encourages his cooks to walk through the restaurant when they catch a break in the action to greet guests and make sure they are enjoying their meal. He believes that his staff’s collective investment in providing a great experience is the key to his restaurant’s success.
A Personal Invitation
“I love that every day is different in this business,” Jack said. “It’s filled with opportunities to welcome new guests and convert them to loyal Woody’s followers. That never gets dull.”
If you haven’t discovered Woody’s Bar-B-Q of Macclenny, Jack and his team invite you to enjoy an expertly prepared meal in a warm and welcoming atmosphere with friendly, attentive service from employees who care. In addition to Kids Eat Free Mondays and Trivia Night Tuesdays, upcoming events at the restaurant are a blood drive on March 18, drink specials and Irish-inspired dishes for St. Patrick’s Day and Family Meals featuring smoked hams and turkeys for Easter. To stay up to date on events and specials, be sure to like and follow their Facebook page.
A resident of Switzerland, Florida, Jack Dunsmoor is happily married to his wife Sally. Together, they have two adult children and two grandchildren. He is a proud member of C12 – a CEO group of Christian business owners. In addition to Woody’s Bar-B-Q of Macclenny, Jack owns Woody’s Bar-B-Q of Jacksonville at 5930 Powers Avenue and Woody’s Bar-B-Q of Cocoa at 4885 US Highway 1.
KB 3/2/22
