we were on our way to visit some one in North Carolina
tank was full of gas......we left early in the morning...by lunch time we needed gas.
Now how we stopped at this exit, only God knows....we got gas, and I asked the gal behind the counter if there were any places to eat around there. She said go up 2 blocks and make a left and you will find some. Now she never gave me any name. We went about 2 miles thinking she had given us wron directions, when we spotted this little white place on a corner. We decide to stop. Looked over and there was another bldg, that said, take out only..... we looked at each ohter. Swung around the bldg, and saw a fleet of teactor trailer with this mans name on it........so, we decide, ok, lets stop. It had to be good.
It was cafeteria style. I took a helping of what I thought was chicken and dumplings....as I fould out they are called slicks........my goodenss, I went back 3 times....almost forgot the bbq....they had bbq chicken, that has a slightly sweet vinegar taste, and so tender. I then went over to the bbq pit, which is on the back side of the line, and you cut or pick your own pieces of Que.
Well, I bought bbq sauce before I left....i will make sure I know where to go next time.
He has been in business since 1963....but In September 14, 1999, Hurricane Floyd was stalled off the North Carolina coast. The rain was pouring down as Bill closed the restaurant and went home. Around 10:00 pm, all seemed to be well. The next morning was a different story. Flood waters had formed and risen overnight to a level of four feet in the restaurant. The night worker had to be rescued by boat! Bill’s was effectively cut off from the rest of Wilson in the middle of what came to be known as "Lake Ellis".
A lesser man would have given up. At sixty six years old most people would have given up and gone fishing. There was no flood insurance and the losses added up to around three million dollars. Bill Ellis is no ordinary man. On Sunday the waters had receded enough to allow access to the property and the clean up work began.
Today, all new construction is finished. People line up more now than ever before. Some even arrive by helicopter! Yes, the old restaurant building still sits empty and desolate.......and yes, it is delicious
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