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For 37 years—from 1940 to 1977—Gaither’s Restaurant, also known as ‘The Grill’, ‘Gaither’s Grill’ or simply, ‘Gaither’s’, offered tasty food and good cheer to Western North Carolinians. Owned and operated by James “Jimmy” C. Gaither of Statesville, NC, and later on, his wife Addie Boykin of Middlesex, NC (they married in 1958), Gaither’s still holds the record of being the longest continually operating restaurant in downtown Brevard. In a 1972 interview with The Transylvania Times, Jimmy Gaither, who by then was an established figure in the local food business, shared his motivation for opening the restaurant: “Surveys showed that Brevard was the fastest growing town in WNC then. The Ecusta plant was just getting into operation, Brevard was bound to grow—so we opened [Gaither’s] in the same building we’re in now.”

Photo negative of Gaither’s Restaurant on South Broad Street, 1958

Today, Gaither’s former locale is occupied by Bracken Mountain Bakery. That site was 34 South Broad Street (42 South Broad Street today), which served as the restaurant’s home for most of its history. Initially, Gaither’s occupied a space at 32 South Broad Street, and it was also for a brief time located on Main Street.

Gaither’s was a diner-style restaurant, considered the first “modern” restaurant in the area at the time. It was known for its burgers, steaks, sandwiches and pie. At first, Gaither’s offered a typical diner or cafeteria-style service, but after Jimmy Gaither purchased the (previously leased) property on South Broad Street, the restaurant expanded to include a banquet facility for up to 100 people (called the Rhododendron Room) and a group meeting room (called the Dogwood Room) on the second floor. The classic diner experience was still available on the first floor.

Front of “A Christmas Menu” by Addie and Jimmy Gaither

Due to its spaciousness and location, Gaither’s was, for many years, a very popular meeting space for local civic clubs, such as the Kiwanis, Lions, Rotary, Jaycees, and the BP&W (Business Professional Women’s) Club. It was the venue of choice for many business functions, private parties, as well as large holiday celebrations. In Ecusta’s Echo magazine many celebrations were recorded as having taken place at Gaither’s Rhododendron Room. From employee baby showers to bowling team victory steak suppers, to Brevard Camera Club award banquets, to ”C” Shift gala parties that included games and movie-watching, many good times were had at Gaither’s, and many Transylvanians have fond memories of the place.

The Gaither family contributed a great deal to the food and cultural heritage of Transylvania County residents for nearly four decades. Gaither’s restaurant is still missed today—especially around the holidays.

Inside of “A Christmas Menu” by Addie and Jimmy Gaither, undated

Photographs and information for this column are provided by the Rowell Bosse North Carolina Room, Transylvania County Library. This article was written by Anne-Monique Ransdell. For more information, comments, or suggestions, contact NC Room staff at [email protected] or 828-884-1820.

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212 S Gaston St, Brevard, NC 28712