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By Erin Smith
Benson’s Grill in Bladenboro was bustling on Tuesday afternoon as the lunch crowd gathered for conversation and great food. The grill, which the Benson family has operated for about 35 years, offers a menu that includes a full breakfast menu and lunch items including salads, subs, hamburgers, hot dogs, French fries, and drinks.
“My parents started it and it has always been family owned,” said Sarah Jane Benson, who currently manages the grill along with her brother Russell.
The restaurant was also managed for a time by Benson’s other brother, Billy Ray Benson and his wife Pam. The grill was shut down in 2015 and underwent a complete restoration, said Sarah Jane Benson. She said while the grill was undergoing renovations, they weighed different options, but ultimately the decision was made to keep operating. The grill was re-opened on May 5, 2016 with a new look under the leadership of Russell Benson and Sarah Jane Benson.
“You see your parents work hard for something all their life. It is a tradition and you don’t want to see it die,” said Sarah Jane Benson of the restaurant.
She said they are simply carrying on the values that were instilled in them by their parents which includes taking pride in what you do and the value of hard work.
Benson said during Hurricane Matthew the grill was closed for two days and lost a few items, but they managed to re-open on Thursday, October 13. “We didn’t have any big losses due to the storm,” said Benson.
The grill is open Tuesday through Saturday from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. The grill offers a catfish special on Fridays.
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